Tag: podcast

Higher Ground Announces Partnership with Spotify to Produce Podcasts

June 6, 2019

President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground, today announced a partnership with Spotify to produce podcasts exclusive to the platform. The Obamas formed Higher Ground to produce powerful stories to entertain, inform and inspire, and to lift up new, diverse voices in the entertainment industry. Spotify, which recently surpassed 100 million Premium subscribers and has more than 217 million monthly active users, will distribute the podcasts to audiences across the globe.

Under the Higher Ground partnership, President and Mrs. Obama will develop, produce, and lend their voices to select podcasts, connecting them to listeners around the world on wide-ranging topics. The multi-year agreement will be with Higher Ground Audio, an expansion of the Higher Ground production company that will oversee the move into podcasts.

When President and Mrs. Obama launched Higher Ground in 2018 with an initial partnership with Netflix, their goal was to create compelling content that entertains and inspires viewers. Recognizing that content is consumed in many forms, this new partnership will give them the ability to expand the conversation, educating and engaging Spotify’s diverse and extensive audience.

“We’ve always believed in the value of entertaining, thought-provoking conversation,” President Obama said. “It helps us build connections with each other and open ourselves up to new ideas. We’re excited about Higher Ground Audio because podcasts offer an extraordinary opportunity to foster productive dialogue, make people smile and make people think, and, hopefully, bring us all a little closer together.”

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to amplify voices that are too often ignored or silenced altogether, and through Spotify, we can share those stories with the world,” Michelle Obama said. “Our hope is that through compelling, inspirational storytelling, Higher Ground Audio will not only produce engaging podcasts, but help people connect emotionally and open up their minds—and their hearts.”

“President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are two of the world’s most important voices and it is a privilege to be working with them to identify and share stories that will inspire our global audience, which looks to Spotify for unique, breakthrough content,” said Spotify Chief Content Officer, Dawn Ostroff. “Connecting people with original and thoughtful creators — especially those with the ability to highlight underrepresented and indispensable narratives — is at the core of our mission and we are thrilled that not only will the Obamas be producing content, but that they will be lending their voices to this effort.”

10 Anchor Tools To Help You Make a Great Podcast

June 4, 2019

In February, Spotify announced that we acquired Anchor, a platform that makes quality podcasting easy and fun. We’re excited to increase the number of podcasts and diversity of topics available on Spotify and hope to inspire our users to start creating their own shows.

Luckily, podcasting has never been as simple—or accessible—as it is with Anchor. Whether you’re recording your fourth podcast or your first, check out 10 Anchor tools below that can ease you through the entire process.

1. Record from anywhere—literally.

Record episodes wherever you are by using the Anchor mobile app for iPhone, Android, or iPad. Or flip open your laptop and use the desktop website. No other equipment is required—unless you’re feeling fancy, in which case you can use a USB mic. You can also upload audio files to use in your podcast.
True story: People have used the mobile feature to record everywhere imaginable, including while climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and from a boat in the middle of the ocean.

2. Record with anyone.

Anchor’s Record with Friends feature supports remote recording with up to eight people at once. Talk to people anywhere in the world and record in real time—distance never has to be an obstacle to making your podcast.

3. Edit your audio with a couple of taps.

Once you’ve recorded some audio, you can edit it by trimming out any unnecessary pieces or splitting it into multiple segments. Anchor’s editing tools are easy to use even when you’re on mobile.

4. Make it sound beautiful.

Anchor has a library of free background music that can be added underneath your audio. The app will even automatically adjust the music’s volume based on the sound of your voice, so it’s a great way to easily add texture to your podcast’s sound.

5. Customize your cover art.

Choose from a library of beautiful photos for your podcast cover artwork, thanks to Anchor’s Cover Art Creator (in partnership with Unsplash). Once you select the perfect image, you can add custom text to it right in the Anchor app.

6. Get your show heard everywhere.

Anchor takes care of distributing your podcast everywhere people are listening. With just one tap, you can get your podcast on Spotify and more.

7. Transform your words into social-friendly videos.

If you want to go beyond soundscapes, select a clip of two minutes or less to turn into a word video. It’s perfect for showcasing your work across social channels.

8. Make your listeners part of your podcast.

With Anchor’s Voice Messages, you can collect messages from your listeners and incorporate them right into your episodes. Some creators use this feature to share listener comments on a particular topic, host a listener-inspired episode, or create a Q&A-style show.

9. See how your show is growing.

Gain unique insights into when and where your podcast is being heard the loudest. On your Anchor dashboard, you’ll find detailed analytics so you can learn about who’s listening and how your episodes are performing. Analytics are available on mobile and web, so you can track your success no matter where you are.

10. Make money with your podcast.

With Anchor Sponsorships and Listener Support, you can make money from your podcast either by including custom ads (we’ll do the work of matching you with a sponsor and helping you record your own ads), or by collecting recurring donations from listeners.

Ready to get started? Sign up for Anchor today.

Everything You Wanted to Know about Podcasts But Were Afraid to Ask

May 28, 2019

Have you ever raved to a friend or family member about a podcast you’re bingeing (say, Stay Free: The Story of the Clash) only to have them ask, “Wait, what’s a podcast?” or even, “How do I listen to it?”

On the other hand, maybe you can talk all day about Game of Thrones finale theories or your feelings about the latest album drop, and you want to share your thoughts with the world. Good news: It’s easier than ever to get the word out.

Whether you’re a podcast aficionado looking to share your passion, or just looking to stay up on the latest trends, this straightforward and shareable Podcast 101 infographic is your one-stop shop for any podcasting questions.

Now that you can safely explain podcasts, why not find a new favorite? Or easily start your own by using Anchor or Soundtrap for Storytellers.

References:

Soundtrap for Storytellers Helps Podcasters Take Their Shows to the Next Level

May 14, 2019

Last year, seven million people in the US produced podcasts—and even more people consumed them. But the process of recording, editing, transcribing, and adding sound effects isn’t always easy. That’s why Soundtrap, a Spotify company, was inspired to create Soundtrap for Storytellers, a cloud-based one-stop shop for podcast creation that helps podcasters share their stories in a powerful and efficient way.

Soundtrap for Storytellers is a comprehensive podcast creation tool that offers recording, remote multi-track interviewing with video chat, smart editing of audio as a text document, full audio production, direct-to-Spotify publishing of the podcast, and transcript publishing to optimize SEO all in one service.

To celebrate the launch of Soundtrap for Storytellers, we brought the hosts of nine beloved podcasts together at Spotify’s NYC office for a hands-on “Pod Camp” demo of Soundtrap for Storytellers. We talked to the founders (and voices) behind favorites such as Berning in Hell, Girls Gotta Eat, Journey to Launch, and more about their favorite parts of podcasting—and what they’re excited for with Soundtrap for Storytellers.

Soundtrap demo at the Spotify office

Hannah Berner, Founder/Host: Berning in Hell

Favorite part of podcasting: “The freedom of speech. My podcast creates an opportunity for an extremely intimate experience between two people with no boundaries that I get to then share with the world.”

Why Soundtrap excites Hannah: “I think a lot of podcasters don’t have any knowledge about the importance of SEO, or getting found in unique ways, besides just promoting on our social media. So having a transcript of what you’re saying that also helps with SEO is incredible.”

Lindsey Metselaar, Founder/Host: We Met at Acme

Favorite part of podcasting: “I love getting to know someone. You can get away with asking a few questions when you first meet someone, but you can’t just sit there and grill them for an hour. As a curious person, it gives me an excuse to be able to literally do that.”

Why Soundtrap excites Lindsey: “The fact that you can record with someone when they’re not physically with you is huge. I’m not able to do that right now because the sound quality is just not the same with other programs or over the phone. But Soundtrap allows two computers to have the same recording situation set up. That’s huge for podcasting.”

Jamila Souffrant, Founder/Host: Journey to Launch

Favorite part of podcasting: “Connecting with the guests and interviewing. Honestly, when I’m in the moment interviewing, I’m just in it. So when I actually hear the final product, I’m like, ‘Wow. That was a good episode.’”

Why Soundtrap excites Jamila: “Right now, I record the interview on my computer. Then I’ve got to download the track, then upload it so my editor can take it. Soundtrap eliminates the steps and makes it easier for me just to record.”

The crew of The Need to Know Podcast

Savon, Steph, Alex, Co-Hosts: The Need to Know Podcast

Savon’s favorite part of podcasting: “I got into podcasting not just because it was innovative, but also because it was very personable. A lot of media is not personable, you know? So listening to somebody and feeling like you’re connected with them was the main draw for me. Also, just doing it with smart people whom you learn from.”

Why Soundtrap excites Steph: “Schedule-wise, we’re all super busy. Sometimes one of us might not be able to make it, or be physically there. So the fact that we can still record is very important. Listeners look for our content every week. And they will hunt us down.”

Rayna Greenberg, Ashley Hesseltine, Co-Hosts: Girls Gotta Eat

Rayna’s favorite part of podcasting: “We love conceptualizing the episodes, we love polling our audience for what they’re really looking for, and we try to pull in all of their advice. We love all the emails we get asking for certain topics, and we love trying to figure out who the next guest will be that’s so great for that, and how we can create a show around them that’s really interesting and different.”

Why Soundtrap excites Ashley: “I like that it normalizes the levels as it’s recording, and then again after. Because right now, it records all onto one track. So if someone was just way too quiet or too loud, I can go in there and do it manually, but it would take forever. So I have to use an external program. I like that Soundtrap is pretty much doing that for you.”

Try Soundtrap for Storytellers, available today online and on iOS and Android, with pricing starting at $14.99/month and an annual plan starting at $11.99/month. Or if you’re more of a listener, check out the rest of the podcasts on Spotify.

German Star Palina Rojinski Riffs on Podcast Interviews with Her Celebrity Friends

April 17, 2019

Visit Germany for a day, and it’ll be hard to miss Palina Rojinski. Known throughout the country as an actress, TV host, and DJ, Palina can now add top-ranked podcaster to her CV. After just a few episodes of Podkinski, the podcast already enjoys extreme popularity in Germany. The secret to her instant impact in audio is simple: Fans are drawn to Palina’s sense of humor and her approachable, conversational style.

She selects the guests for her show, guides the conversation, and keeps her subjects in the studio for as long as she feels necessary to create a compelling interview. No format is off-limits, whether that means improvising, using tarot cards, or playing memory games to get inside a guest’s head.

Palina’s first guests were actor Fahri Yardim, model Stefanie Giesinger (winner of Germany’s Next Topmodel) and Saudi Arabia-born actress and hip-hop artist Nura. Just after the release of the fourth episode of Podkinski, featuring German fashion designer and TV host Guido Maria Kretschmer, Palina spoke with us about her unique approach to podcasting.

Most Germans know you from TV and film. What has been the most interesting and different aspect of recording a podcast as opposed to working with scripted material for TV and movies?

It is very freeing to be invisible. I usually really enjoy getting ready for a film shoot, and I love makeup and fashion in general. But being invisible to the audience allows me to approach the recording in a very relaxed manner. The studio is a more intimate setting.

German TV and audio seem to have become more open, playful, and conversational, similar to your style, since you started out 10 years ago. How much of that can you take credit for, and how much is an evolution of technology and a change in how Europeans consume content?

I believe that everything changes all the time—with or without me. The German entertainment industry really looks up to America and tries to keep up. Also, Germany is looking at a comeback of the ’90s in style and fashion, and this means putting fun first. Also, maybe our society is looking for balance. If issues regarding the environment and politics are getting pretty serious, we long for fun in entertainment, art, and fashion.

How does your style of interviewing help guests share more personal or interesting information that they might not share with another podcast host?

It certainly helps that most of my guests are my friends. That makes it a bit easier to find the right start. I try to be myself—that’s a general rule of mine, being myself and inviting my guests to be themselves as well. I’m happy if that works out for both of us.

You’re one of the hosts of a new version of “Yo! MTV Raps.” What does hip-hop music mean to you, and why you do think Europeans, and Germans in particular, have such fondness of hip-hop?

It was the soundtrack of my teenage years—it means rebellion, it means adventure, and a certain kind of looking for an identity. Am I cool? Are you cool? The kinds of questions that we suffer with as teenagers. Hip-hop helped me a lot, lifted me up, and made me feel strong at times. It also creates a wonderful sense of community, which we are all in need of, I guess.

Talk about the games you like to play with your guests, such as “Ich packe meinen koffer” (I’m packing my suitcase). How does the game work?

You basically name an object that you would take along on a trip, and the other person has to repeat what you said and add one thing he or she would take along, and so on. Actually, it’s a good memory game, and I played it with a famous German actor. We tested how well our memory works (we have to memorize lines for acting), but also found out how he is packing his luggage either for a certain role or for a long-term filming away from home. Every guest gets a different game that suits his or her personality.

What podcasts and musicians do you enjoy listening to when you are not working?

My favorite podcast is Fest & Flauschig by my friends Olli and Jan, and I love a good mix of music. For example, I love classic bands like Talking Heads or Fleetwood Mac, and of course, some hip-hop like Cardi B, Migos, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, and Drake, plus Ariana Grande.

Listen to the latest episode of Podkinski here.

Gynning and Berg Now Exclusively on Spotify

February 12, 2019

Swedish on-air co-hosts Carina Berg and Carolina Gynning, also close off-camera friends, have launched a new podcast on life’s absurdities—and learning to embrace them through laughter. Carina and Carolina, who’ve shared the screen for 15 years on the country’s local Idol and Stars on Ice, will release 40 weekly episodes of Gynning & Berg Find Themselves, exclusively on Spotify.

“I can never predict what she’s going to say,” says Carina of Carolina. “She is the friend who usually makes my jaw drop. It is such a gift to sit and talk about the big issues in life with her.”

No topic is too sensitive for these two. Expect hilarious discussions ranging from coping with aging to not seeing your children often enough, all examined with “thoughtful self-development and pure nonsense,” explains Carolina. “It will be exciting to hear what listeners think.”

More than just a show about exploring life’s big questions, “Gynning & Berg Find Themselves” represents Spotify’s commitment to offering differentiated and original podcast content around the world.

“We are proud and happy that Carina and Carolina chose Spotify to make their exclusive podcast debut,” says Johan Seidefors, our Nordic Content Manager. “They are two of Sweden’s funniest, most experienced and professional content creators. Carina and Carolina have incredibly dedicated fans, and we look forward to having all Spotify listeners follow their escapades.”

Gynning & Berg Find Themselves launches today. You can find the first episode here.

The Perfect Podcasts to Help You Stay On Track This New Year

January 16, 2019

Need a podcast pep talk today? You’re not alone. We looked at streaming data for several motivational and self-improvement podcasts and found that these shows — focused on financial responsibility, career goal setting, and inspirational success stories — more than double in listening every Wednesday.

Sure, these shows saw average daily listening rise 40 percent from the last couple months in 2018 (similar to how everyone hits the gym in early January). But what’s different is that listening to motivational podcasts is a routine people actually return to every Wednesday when they need a little extra boost.

Want to improve your chances of keeping a New Year’s resolution that might otherwise fade by February? Check out one of the below shows. Wednesday listening optional.

How I Built This with Guy Raz

On this popular NPR show, host Guy Raz interviews entrepreneurs—such as the founders of Slack and Rent The Runway—to get the stories behind their successes. A recurring theme: How to overcome several early failed endeavors.

Imagined Life

Imagined Life is a narrated show that tells an immersive story of how someone—such as Elon Musk or Elton John—has overcome incredible barriers to achieve success. Here’s the twist: You don’t find out who the subject is until the very end of the episode. Part story, part celebrity trivia, totally inspiring.

Secrets of Saving and Investing

https://open.spotify.com/show/2RNlxtQsaTM9LnWquf4uWL?si=7cLQb3M2QOOvuYUEwp05cg

If you indulged in a little too much holiday spending, January is the perfect time to get back on track with your financial goals. This new NPR podcast shares advice from financial experts to show how investing like a pro doesn’t have to be difficult or confusing.

RISE Podcast

Author and motivational speaker Rachel Hollis interviews business leaders to elicit real-life takeaways and practical advice. The episode length varies from 15 minutes to over an hour, so you can get a boost of inspiration no matter how busy your schedule.

10% Happier with Dan Harris

If you’re working on your wellness, don’t forget about your mental health. Former TV news personality Dan Harris learned this the hard way, when he had a panic attack on the air. Now, on the “10% Happier Podcast,” Harris talks with successful people about how to balance ambition with peace and happiness.

The School of Greatness

Former pro athlete Lewis Howes interviews successful business leaders, athletes, and celebrities to find out what it is that makes them great. It’s inspirational listening, no matter your goals.

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

For author Gretchen Rubin, happiness starts with good habits. In this podcast, Rubin shares practical, manageable advice to help you form a straightforward plan for an ambiguous goal.

The Tony Robbins Podcast

As renowned motivational speaker Tony Robbins likes to say, “Why live an ordinary life when you can live an extraordinary one?” In this podcast, Robbins offers tips and tactics for your business, relationships, finances, and health.

Goal Digger

Is 2019 the year you design your dream job? Host Jenna Kutcher offers tips, business hacks, inspirational stories, and strategies to help you build a better career path.

Whether for midweek goal setting or weekend relaxation, find the right podcast category for you here.

Jemele Hill is Unbothered

January 8, 2019

There are no shortage of podcasts to listen to on Spotify—from the hundreds of NPR titles now on our platform, to the release of the Amy Schumer, Guy Raz, and Joe Budden shows, there’s something for everyone.

So it’s only fitting that today at CES, our Head of Spotify Studios Courtney Holt sat down with Jemele Hill, former chief correspondent and senior columnist for ESPN’s The Undefeated and Emmy Award winning journalist, to discuss how creators are leveraging podcasts to build connections with new audiences, explore the creative spectrum, and reinvent their personal brands. They also chatted about the overall evolution of podcasting into a powerful, authentic storytelling device.

During the discussion, Hill announced that she’ll be telling her own story—and joining the Spotify lineup with her own original podcast, Jemele Hill is Unbothered.

Jemele Hill and Courtney Holt

Coming to Spotify on Mondays and Thursdays starting this March, Jemele Hill is Unbothered will feature Hill and her co-hosts along with a rotating cast of high-profile guests. On the podcast, Hill will explore the news of the week and the intersectionality between the worlds of sports, politics, music, identity and culture. Jemele Hill is Unbothered is an honest, thought-provoking, always-entertaining analysis of American life, discussed in real-time as it unfolds, only on Spotify.

Thanks to her 12 years at ESPN as a leading voice providing content and commentary for their digital, television and audio platforms, Hill is no stranger to to these topics.

“Spotify and I are very like-minded,” Hill says. “We both believe in being bold and authentic. I am thrilled to get the opportunity to stretch myself in a much different way, with a support system that I believe will bring out the best in me. I look forward to sharing my perspective and experience with Spotify’s many listeners across the world.”

Each 60-75 minute episode of Jemele Hill is Unbothered will delve into the issues that matter—from athletes speaking out about race, to Usher’s new perm. The conversations with current newsmakers will be personal and memorable.

“Jemele is an important voice in sports, race, culture, and politics, and their intersection in media,” says Holt. “She will bring her unique point of view to our platform with this podcast, which is sure to be a favorite of listeners with diverse interests and viewpoints.”

Spotify now has more than 200 million users worldwide, but with the ever-growing catalog of podcasts available, each one is sure to find a story that captivates them.

Hill is represented by Exit 39, CAA, and Jackoway Tyerman.

Redescubrimos los relatos clásicos para una nueva generación con Ven Con Un Cuento

December 17, 2018

Presentamos la primera serie de podcasts originales de Spotify en español basada en clásicos infantiles para disfrutar en familia durante las fiestas.

¿Quién no recuerda la sensación de quedarse dormido arrullado por cuentos de hadas? Los relatos clásicos que han acompañado a generaciones ocupan un lugar tan central en la conciencia colectiva que la mayoría de nosotros podría contarlos casi de memoria. Pero este recuerdo, ¿es suficiente para capturar la imaginación de los nativos digitales?

Ven Con Un Cuento es una serie original de Spotify que rescata siete de las historias más emblemáticas del género con un espíritu que busca mantener lo que ha fascinado a generaciones y en el que encontramos un territorio familiar. Pero, al mismo al tiempo, ofrece a narradores experimentados la oportunidad de recrear estas historias para oídos jóvenes.

Entre las historias que forman la serie destacan El Patito Feo, El Soldadito de Plomo, El Traje Nuevo del Emperador, del poeta danés Hans Christian Andersen, y algunos de los relatos rescatados por los hermanos Grimm en Alemania como Hansel y Gretel, La Bella Durmiente y Pulgarcito, así como la épica de Simbad el Marino.

El espíritu de la serie es dejar que reconocidos actores de doblaje den voz a los personajes y maticen la narración manteniéndose fieles a las tramas que conocemos.

De este modo, se puede escuchar al actor Luis Posada en el cuento Simbad El Marino; a Nuria Mediavilla en La Bella Durmiente; a Jordi Brau en El Soldadito de Plomo; mientras que a Óscar Barberán, Marta Angelat, Mercedes Montalá y David Brau son los encargados de interpretar las aventuras que viven los personajes de El Traje Nuevo del Emperador, Hansel y Gretel, El Patito Feo y Pulgarcito.

Esta producción propia se ha grabado en los Estudios Polford y ha contado con el estudio de producción BSO para la creación, composición y ambientación musical que acompaña a cada uno de los cuentos que integran esta serie de podcasts disponible en Spotify.

La recompensa para el oyente es descubrir que las historias continúan vigentes para nuestro tiempo. Ese mundo sigue poblando nuestro imaginario con reyes y reinas, burros y gansos, sastres y cazadores… Dos siglos después, las virtudes que quisieron cristalizar sus creadores son las mismas que nos mueven: el valor, la lealtad, el amor, la gratitud, y, en igual medida, nos revelan el lado oscuro de nuestra naturaleza.

En Ven Con Un Cuento Spotify continúa su apuesta de generar experiencias sonoras únicas para públicos de todas las edades. La serie se estrena el 17 de diciembre y podrás escucharlo sólo en Spotify.

Puedes escuchar la serie Ven Con un Cuento aquí.

Travel Delays, Snowed In, or Stuck at Your In-Laws? We’ve Got a Podcast for That

November 29, 2018

’Tis the season for slower work days, more time with friends and family, and festive celebrations. But the holidays also can come with bad weather, houseguests who wear out their welcomes, traffic jams, and travel delays. Blissful or bah humbug, it’s the most wonderful time of the year—to listen to podcasts.

Whether you’re looking to brush up on current events or escape into a complex story, Spotify’s robust and ever-expanding collection of podcasts will keep you occupied. Not sure where to start? Here are five that fit the bill.

If you’re looking for … a topic that’ll impress your boss at the office holiday party

Try … “Revisionist History.” Each episode of Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast takes a second look at the past and questions whether the popular narrative about a particular event, person, or idea is accurate.

If you’re looking for … anything to distract you while you spend hours sitting on the tarmac

Try … “Up and Vanished.” True-crime buffs will dig the investigative journalism podcast that explores cases of people who have gone missing or disappeared. Each season is an in-depth look into what happened, including first-person accounts from locals who were present as the case unfolded. Because each season covers one case, the suspense will keep you listening episode to episode, no matter what kind of delay the airport throws at you.

If you’re looking for … enough material to keep up with your uncle who always wants to talk hot-button topics at the dinner table

Try … “The Daily.” For 20 minutes a day, five days a week, Michael Barbaro of The New York Times shares a quick summary of something that’s going on in the world. Based on interviews and reporting, each episode focuses on one topic, but ends with a roundup of the other important headlines of the day.

If you’re looking for … a lighter note to keep you entertained while gift wrapping

Try … “My Brother, My Brother, and Me.” In this comedy/advice podcast by Justin, Griffin, and Travis McElory, the brothers answer questions submitted by listeners and read entertaining posts from Yahoo! Answers. MBMBaM also has frequent guests and humorous recurring segments, like “Haunted Doll Watch,” where the brothers discuss eBay listings selling supposedly haunted or cursed dolls.

If you’re looking for … a story that gathers everyone around the fireplace

Try … “Lore.” What’s real and what’s just lore? Mystery lovers will get hooked on more than 100 spooky stories that dive deep into the darker side of human nature. The nonfiction series is based on historical explorations of folklore, investigating rumors of haunted houses, witches, and vampires, and telling other tall tales from around the world.

Looking for more ways to get away this holiday season? Check out Spotify’s top podcasts.

‘Das allerletzte Interview’: Mörderische Spannung in der Podcast-Fortsetzung

November 22, 2018

Hip-Hop-Journalistin Clara plant, den erfolgreichsten Rapper Deutschlands zu töten. Aber warum? Das Rätsel hinter Claras Motiv sowie ihre düstere Vergangenheit haben im vergangenen Sommer Podcast- und Krimi-Fans in Atem gehalten. Die zweite Staffel des Spotify Original Podcasts “Das allerletzte Interview”, geschrieben und erzählt von Visa Vie, ist ab sofort exklusiv bei Spotify zu finden.

Der Podcast, der für “Schönste Geschichte” beim Preis für Popkultur 2018 nominiert war, erzählt von Außenseiterin Clara, die sich als Moderatorin beim größten Rapmagazin Deutschlands einschleust. Sie plant, nach ihrem allerletzten Interview Scar umzubringen, den bekanntesten Rapper des Landes. Am Ende der ersten Staffel gab es einen Showdown zwischen ihr und Scar – der mit einem Cliffhanger endete.

“Das allerletzte Interview” ist gespickt mit Anekdoten und Insiderwissen aus der Rapwelt. Autorin Visa Vie arbeitete jahrelang als Journalistin bei dem bekannten Hip-Hop Portal 16bars und sammelte dort reichlich Interview-Erfahrung. Als Moderatorin, Produzentin und Redakteurin ihres eigenen YouTube-Formats “Zum Goldenen V” konnte sie sich eine treue Fangemeinschaft aufbauen, die bei “Das allerletzte Interview” nicht nur gespannt mitgefiebert, sondern auch über Parallelen zu realen Rappern spekuliert hat.

“Das Feedback zu ‘Das allerletzte Interview’ war überwältigend und ich bin immer noch fassungslos über die großartige Resonanz auf mein Autorinnen-Debüt”, erklärt Visa Vie. “Deswegen freue ich mich umso mehr darauf, die Fortsetzung nun endlich mit der Welt teilen zu können. Und nicht zuletzt, weil so viele es sich gewünscht haben, wird es in der zweiten Staffel noch mal um einiges härter zugehen!”

Auch Michael Krause, Geschäftsführer EMEA von Spotify, ist begeistert vom Spotify Original Podcast: “Als größte Podcast-Plattform in Deutschland sind wir stolz auf unsere starken Original-Formate, bis jetzt haben schon hunderttausende Hörer bei ‘Das allerletzte Interview’ mitgefiebert. Wir können es kaum erwarten, den Fans von Clara die Krimi-Fortsetzung von Visa Vie zu präsentieren.”

Interviewing the Interviewer: Guy Raz on His New Spotify Podcast Series

November 1, 2018

Guy Raz. You know him from NPR’s super popular TED Radio Hour and How I Built This. Now everyone’s favorite podcast interviewer has a brand new series on Spotify.

The exclusive Spotify Originals series, called “The Rewind With Guy Raz,” takes you inside the minds of today’s biggest music stars, including David Guetta, Kelly Clarkson, and Shawn Mendes. The acclaimed host unpacks what they love. What they fear. The ways fame forever transformed their lives—all packed into this revealing limited podcast series.

In a fun twist, we turned the tables on Raz and interviewed the interviewer on why he’s so excited about “The Rewind.”

What do you most want people to know about “The Rewind With Guy Raz”?

Most people listen to an artist or go see a concert and they think of the performer in that very moment. But who was Kelly Clarkson, or Charlie Puth, or Wynton Marsalis before they got onto that stage? What was Shawn Mendes like in middle school? At some point they were all just like you and me. Maybe they had a better voice or they could dance a little bit better but, for the most part, they led normal lives. And while you may think you know who that artist is from their videos or an interview, “The Rewind” takes a deeper dive into their journeys to becoming superstars.

What lessons do you bring from your years of co-directing and hosting NPR podcasts to Spotify’s “The Rewind”?

Over the past two decades of interviewing, I’ve learned that by coming to the table without any expectations, with a spirit of generosity, and a sense of empathy, most people want to talk about their stories. With “The Rewind,” it’s no different. Their names may be up in lights, they may be some of the most famous people in the world, but they are human. They have stories. They have anxieties. They have dreams. And they have fears. This show is a journey into those worlds. It is a chance to understand what motivates these artists and how fame has changed their lives.

Where do you record “The Rewind’s” interviews, and how is it built for human connection and storytelling?

Some of my interviews are done face-to-face in Los Angeles or occasionally in New York. When I do those interviews right next to the artists, we’re usually sitting just a few inches apart. It usually takes 10 or 15 minutes before they are comfortable, and before they are prepared to fully surrender to the process. I want the person I’m interviewing to feel comfortable and safe because I find that in those circumstances they will often reveal more about who they are than in a controlled and managed environment. Some of my interviews can last as long as two hours and, oftentimes, by the end of it, both of us are wiped out.

What do you enjoy most about exposing your listeners to these journeys of inspiring musicians?

Human stories are the most compelling stories for obvious reasons. Even if you are not religious, just check out the Bible and you will find some of the most dramatic narratives ever told. Love, hate, kindness, jealousy, deception, rebirth … all of those story motifs are right there. It’s not surprising. Human lives are full of drama, and triumph, and failure and success. All of us—myself included—can find parts of ourselves in stories. It’s why I do what I do, because my job is to help people unearth the stories hidden inside of them.

What does this new podcast say about your evolution as a career storyteller and content creator—in a time when content platforms is also changing?

Most of my programs are listened to by people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and even 50s. On the radio, my listeners can be as old as 100. What excites me about the Spotify audience, and the artists I’m interviewing, is that I think we have a real chance of reaching much younger listeners—for example, teenagers and preteens who love this music but may not know a whole lot about the person singing the song.

I also think that nowadays, artists have very few opportunities to tell their stories in depth. FM radio and music magazines are no longer a place where in-depth interviews are featured. So for many listeners, particularly younger listeners, the stories you hear from your favorite artists will be revelatory.

Check out the first episode with David Guetta here: