Tag: podcast

Watch Stretch and Bobbito Discuss Their Journey From Radio to Podcast

October 30, 2018

In the age before streaming, people discovered music in entirely different ways—if you were a hip-hop lover in the ’90s, you might remember finding the freshest new rappers thanks to college DJs Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Garcia.

Way back when, Adrian Bartos, aka Stretch Armstrong, and Robert “Bobbito” Garcia were cohosts of a 1-5 a.m. Friday morning show on Columbia University’s campus radio station, WKCR. Together, they exposed the campus—and the world—to a wave of then-unsigned hip-hop and rap talents such as Nas, the Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan, Big Pun, JAY Z, Eminem, and the Fugees. Though the show ended in ’98, Stretch and Bob never lost their enthusiasm for introducing the people to the unique insights and talents of diverse artists.

Now, more than 15 years later, they’re back—now with a new NPR podcast, What’s Good with Stretch & Bobbito—available for streaming on Spotify. In the two-season (so far!) series, the hosts share untold stories and uncovered truths with their influential guests—from Women’s March organizer Linda Sarsour to Fresh Off the Boat writer Eddie Huang, to the Roots’ front manBlack Thoughts (Tariq Trotter), to Guatemalan singer-songwriter GabyMoreno. These cultural influencers talk art, music, politics, sports and, more generally, what’s good!

Stretch and Bobbito conduct plenty of interviews themselves—so we sat down with the duo for an exclusive video on their own untold stories.

The first two seasons of What’s Good with Stretch and Bobbito are now available to stream on Spotify.

Most Wanted: ‘Chapo,’ the First Podcast From Vice News, Debuts on Spotify

October 26, 2018

A cartel leader’s rise and fall. Hit men. Government fallout. Journalists risking their lives. Citizens caught in the middle. It’s the stuff of primetime dramas. But it’s also the very real narrative of the drug war’s impact on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Spotify is partnering with Vice News to distribute the award-winning news channel’s first podcast, “Chapo,” an eight-episode series that uncovers the story of Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. It’s our latest step in building a broad library of exclusive, original audio content on Spotify. And to better reach our global audience, the podcast debuts in both English and Spanish.

As Chapo goes on trial in New York City this November, the podcast explores this historic, high-stakes case. In-depth interviews with those closest to the story—including the former DEA agents who captured the drug kingpin; former Mexican president Felipe Calderón, known for escalating the drug war; Chapo’s family; and the people living through the drug war’s real-life consequences—give listeners a riveting firsthand account of what it was really like to be part of Chapo’s life. Conversations between the hosts—Vice News reporter Keegan Hamilton and Miguel Angel Vega, one of Mexico’s top narco-journalists, bring never-before-heard perspectives on relations between the United States and Mexico and detail the urgent danger journalists face in Mexico.

“We’re tremendously excited to bring Vice News’ in-depth reporting to the podcast format for the first time,” says Ryan McCarthy, editor-in-chief of Vice News. “This is the story of El Chapo that you won’t hear in the courtroom and that you won’t read in the headlines. We’re thrilled about our partnership with Spotify and that we can tell this story to both English-language and Spanish-language listeners.”

“Chapo” premieres November 1. All episodes will also be available on Spotify in English and Spanish. Episodes 4 through 8 will be available exclusively on Spotify.

Get a sneak peek of the Chapo trailer here:

David Guetta, Kelly Clarkson, Shawn Mendes, and Others Go Deep on Spotify’s ‘The Rewind’ Podcast With Guy Raz

October 25, 2018

From “undiscovered great” to “most-streamed,” each artist has a unique journey to success—and we want to help tell their stories. That’s why Spotify has teamed up with Built-It Productions and Guy Raz, host, co creator, and editorial director of three NPR programs (How I Built This, TED Radio Hour, and Wow in the World) to debut our exclusive new audio interview podcast series, The Rewind with Guy Raz.

In each episode, Guy sits down with some of the most inspiring artists across all genres in the music industry—including Shawn Mendes, Kelly Clarkson, Wynton Marsalis, Nick Jonas, and more—for a series of personal interviews. Going beyond the music, these candid conversations chronicle each artist’s remarkable origin story, in their own words. You’ll hear it all— the ambitions, achievements, shortcomings, setbacks, and everything else that made them the icons we know today.

Get excited for the debut episode, which features French electronic music producer David Guetta and the remarkable journey that led him to become one of the first superstar DJs—from teaching himself to scratch records to catapulting EDM into the mainstream and changing pop music forever.

Look out for new episodes of The Rewind with Guy Raz limited series premiering each week, exclusively on Spotify.

It’s *F%$#^&!* Funny: Catch Season 2 of Spotify Original Podcast ‘Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith’

October 16, 2018

She’s, ahem, unfiltered, so imagine how candid Amy Schumer gets when she broadcasts from the comfort of her own apartment. The second season of 3 Girls, 1 Keith, the writer-comedian’s podcast, launches exclusively on Spotify on October 23—and Amy’s back with more guest stars, more overshares, and more laughs (theirs and yours).

What began as an inside joke between four best friends—Amy plus fellow comedians Rachel Feinstein, Bridget Everett, and Keith Robinson—about the idea of broadcasting their hangouts has turned into a candid take on politics, world events, and of course the intimate personal anecdotes Amy is known for. Season 1, ICYMI (hint: catch up now), tackled personal bias to parachute pants. For this season, drinking, sex, worthless people, and J. Lo are all on the agenda … nothing is off-limits.

In 3 Girls, 1 Keith’s second season, Amy and company go there, discussing their “death plans” (including using the deceased’s ashes as bath salts), shoplifting, and other taboos. They also grill a variety of special guests, including supermodel Ashley Graham, comedian Dave Attell, actress-comedian-writer Wanda Sykes, and human rights powerhouse Amanda Nyugen. Amy’s dad, Gordon Schumer, even makes a cameo, dishing about the time he ditched his future wife and her parents to get “tied up” by another girl.

Fans can look forward to more of last season’s segments, like “Pound it or Pass,” when the hosts debated whether or not they would hook up with a given celebrity (yes, Amy’s dad does participate), and “Why is Keith a Bad Person?” … which is fairly self-explanatory.

Keep an eye (and an ear) out for new episodes coming exclusively to Spotify every week this month. Pro tip: Listen in public at your own risk. Audible laughter is pretty much inevitable.

Watch the trailer here:

Introducing Spotify for Podcasters in Beta

October 3, 2018

We want more people to have access to the tools they need to become great storytellers and have their voices heard, which is why we’re proud to introduce the beta of Spotify for Podcasters. Through this new platform that we’re testing, podcast creators who are hosting their podcasts elsewhere will be able to make their show available to Spotify users by providing us with their podcast feed. This will easily make them available to our audience of more than 180 million listeners around the world, and allow podcasters to see daily stats about who is listening and from where.

For podcasters who run active podcasts and continue to publish episodes, new episodes will instantly be added to Spotify as soon as podcasters upload them to their host or aggregator.

Podcasters whose podcasts are available on Spotify will have access to episode performance, daily stats on listener demographics, location, engagement, and more—great tools to help learn more about and grow audiences.

Hear Daniel Ek Trace Spotify’s Origin Story on the ‘Masters of Scale’ Podcast

September 19, 2018

Spotify was founded in 2008, and in the decade since, millions of people around the world have joined the music streaming revolution. But where did it all begin? According to our CEO Daniel Ek, Spotify was built on the concept of trust, and that idea has remained core to our beliefs.

“At the end of the day, it’s about trust,” Daniel reveals in the latest episode of the podcast Masters of Scale. “If you say what you’re going to do, and then keep on doing that, you will do pretty well.”

Masters of Scale, hosted by investor, entrepreneur, and cofounder of LinkedIn Reid Hoffman, features reflections on success with prominent CEOs and founders. In this episode, Reid and Daniel share a thoughtful conversation about how Swedish values like transparency and honesty first set Spotify apart.

As Daniel says about Swedish society, “You can’t screw people over, and you have to honor your agreements.” In fact, he says it’s normal behavior to walk on other people’s property–and even set up camp. “This notion of private vs. public just doesn’t exist to the same extent,” Daniel explains.

When Spotify first entered the music landscape, trust within the industry was at an all-time low, but Daniel envisioned a future where artists and fans could believe in each other once again.

“I had this idea of the kind of product I wanted to see in the world,” he says. “I told my team, ‘If we can create the feeling that people have all the world’s music on their hard drives, we will have built something that’s much better than piracy.'”

Listen to Daniel’s full Masters of Scale episode right here.

Sound Up Bootcamp: London Edition

September 7, 2018

If you’ve ever listened to a podcast and thought, “I could do this,” we want to hear your voice. Spotify is inviting aspiring podcasters in the UK who identify as a woman of colour to apply for the Sound Up UK week-long residential podcasting workshop, which will be held in London on November 5-9. Applicants don’t need to have any prior podcasting experience, just passion for the medium and an eagerness to bring their great ideas to life.

Sound Up UK follows our first Sound Up Bootcamp in New York, which received thousands of applications. Ten lucky finalists were invited to attend the programme, which consisted of a week of mentoring and networking with podcasting and radio greats. At the end of the week, three of the finalists were awarded $10,000 to produce their podcasts.

“The Sound Up Bootcamp in the US was an absolutely huge success, with over 18,000 applicants, showing just how much enthusiasm and talent exists in the field of podcast creation in 2018,” says James Cator, Spotify Head of Podcast Partnerships, EMEA. “The UK is a leading light in the world of podcasts, so we’re expecting to see a similarly enthusiastic response from ambitious podcast creators there. We are hugely excited to be able to support and promote more diverse and talented voices in the field of podcasting, and to give them a creative platform to share their work with the widest possible audience.”

We are hugely excited to be able to support and promote more diverse and talented voices in the field of podcasting, and to give them a creative platform to share their work with the widest possible audience.

James Cator, Spotify Head of Podcast Partnerships, EMEA

The ten finalists chosen to attend the London Sound Up Bootcamp will learn about the art of podcast creation; from learning about their audience and formulating a concept and story arc, to legal and licensing, graphic design, and technical studio skills. The course is designed and facilitated in partnership with the ShoutOut Network, whose company mission is to “find the next generation of voices.” This will culminate in a pitch session to a panel of industry experts, who will select three participants to receive support to further develop and record their podcast idea.

“The US Sound Up Bootcamp has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career,” says Natalie Tulloch, Director of Content Partnerships, Spotify. “The week was so much more than planned. It was a privilege being in the room with an amazing group of women. During the course of the week, it was more than learning about the business of podcasting—it was therapy, bonding, and plenty of laughter. We could not have done it without the amazing women in the podcast community in New York City who supported the initiative.”

Now women of colour in the UK have an opportunity to shape that community as well. Interested podcasters should apply before midnight on September 17 at http://bit.ly/soundupuk. We can’t wait to hear what you have to say.

‘The Joe Budden Podcast’ Lands Exclusive Partnership with Spotify

August 22, 2018

The Joe Budden Podcast, a top music podcast and go-to listen for hip-hop and rap culture enthusiasts, has teamed up with Spotify to bring the wildly popular series exclusively to the streaming service beginning September 12.

Since its inception, The Joe Budden Podcast has subsequently published over 175 weekly episodes; not only topping the podcast charts, but achieving a steady and fevered growth. Each week, listeners are welcomed into a raw, opinionated, and enthusiastic dialogue with Joe and his co-hosts Rory and Mal, as they discuss hip-hop music and news, conduct interviews with artists and cultural luminaries, and touch base on cultural events through their own unique and unfiltered lenses.

Beginning September 12, 2018, The Joe Budden Podcast will bring its hugely influential series exclusively to Spotify, doubling the number of episodes for the podcast. New episodes will drop every Wednesday and Saturday of each week.

“I’d like to thank Spotify for this tremendous opportunity to take The Joe Budden Podcast and podcasting in general to heights never before seen,” Joe says. “Our partnership is extremely humbling for me and adds yet another chapter to a career full of plot twists. This highlights a new way of thinking & a corporate ‘head nod’ to the shift taking place before our very eyes. I’m even more thrilled to embark on this journey with some of my closest friends and people I love. The podcast has been a great amplifier for my voice but fast growing into a platform for more and more artists to share their own personal feelings, stories and experiences. I’m anxious to get started and optimistic about what’s to come. While companies are spending endless amounts of dollars and research to find out what consumers want, how they want it and who they want it from, we’re in an space where all you have to do is listen to the people. Again, thank you Spotify for listening.”

Joe first became known to mainstream audiences with his self-titled 2003 debut album, which featured the Grammy-nominated hit “Pump It Up.” While continuing to release music, both as a solo artist and as a member of hip-hop supergroup Slaughterhouse, he also began his career as a broadcaster and media personality, hosting Complex’s popular Everyday Struggle, co-starring on VH1’s Love & Hip: New York, and founding his own eponymously titled podcast.

Joe, Rory, and Mal

This partnership represents a major addition to the already broad slate of exclusive original audio and video content available to hip-hop fans on Spotify, including the RapCaviar enhanced playlist, vertical music videos and podcasts like Dissect, Microphone Check, and Good As Hell.

“As we continue to expand and diversify our content slate, teaming up with The Joe Budden Podcast is an exciting move for Spotify,” says Courtney Holt, Head of Spotify Studios. “We can’t wait to bring Joe’s loyal fans more of what they already love, and offer the opportunity for new hip-hop fans to discover him and listen.”

The Joe Budden Podcast will exclusively premiere two new episodes on Spotify weekly. In addition, Joe’s back-catalog of podcasts will be available on Spotify starting August 22 and will continue to be available on all channels where it has previously been distributed. You can listen here.

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

August 20, 2018

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

August 13, 2018

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.

EuroPride 2018: Identify-ing the Music of Diversity

August 2, 2018

Thomas Sekelius’s favorite EuroPride memory is deeply personal—and musical. “Singing my song ‘One More in the Crowd,’ the official Pride song, last year at Stockholm Pride was quite an indescribable feeling,” he recalls. “Not only did I sing a song of my own in front of hundreds of people dancing and cheering, but I got to stand for a cause that I have preached since day one. That was so genuine.”

While U.S. Pride wrapped up at the end of June, the party is just getting started in many parts of the world, including our home country of Sweden. Right now, the continent’s annual EuroPride celebration has just kicked off in Stockholm, where we are currently launching its new original podcast series, Identify, hosted by Thomas.

Identify investigates how music helps construct a person’s sense of self. The podcast features celebrity guests—including sibling duo Arrhult, writer TramsFrans, actress Saga Becker, artist Gabriel Fontana, activist Juliet Atto, YouTuber Sara Songbird and rapper Beri—sharing intimate stories about how music has shaped and influenced them. Each celeb has also created a playlist of inspiring songs, available until the end of August on our Pride Hub in Sweden.

To learn more about Identify, we spoke with Thomas Sekelius about the message behind the series, what it’s like to be LGBTQ in Sweden, and the music that’s helped shaped who he is today.

Thomas Sekelius, host of Spotify’s Identify podcast

Q: EuroPride is underway in Stockholm – what are you excited for?

A: I’m looking forward to seeing the community come together to paint the city in the colors of the rainbow while being the absolute proudest they can be. Pride Week is full of events that in one way or another fit everyone and will guarantee an amazing few days. But let’s not forget that not only this week, but the entire year is equally ours as anyone else’s. Diversity, diversity, diversity. Embrace it!

Q: What is unique about being LGBTQ/coming out in Sweden?

A: The overall acceptance of LGBTQ people in Sweden is pretty far along compared to other countries. This doesn’t mean that we should relax and be satisfied. We have a long way to go, in Sweden as well as other parts of Europe and the world. Even though acceptance has been better by the people there is still a lot of discrimination against more marginalized groups. So more safe spaces are needed for sure until we are all treated the same.

Q: You are open about your sexuality in your song “Awakening.” Why is music a good outlet for coming out?

A: Music plants a feeling in the people listening. Instead of only writing them down, you can combine those words with a melody and a massive production and give everyone a chance to almost actually taste the rainbow. You can really capture a feeling.

Q: As the host of Identify, you ask your guests questions about how music has shaped their identity. What are three times when music shaped yours?

A: When I was little, in my preteen years, and within the last two years. When I was little, I used to love listening to music in Swedish, English, and Hungarian, which is my mother tongue. I could float away to the land of music. I found so much happiness in music. When I was in the seventh and eighth grades, I had a hard time in school and could find both strength, peace and a trigger to my tears in music. I was also in musicals, training with a vocal coach, singing in a choir, and so on. Music was a big part of my life. The last few years, I went deeper. I began finding an interest in writing music and paid more attention to the production of songs, whereas before I mostly just listened to melodies, voices and lyrics for the overall feeling. Today, I aim to write my own songs, and am learning step by step how to produce my own product.

Q: Why is it important to feature diverse members of the LGBTQ community in your podcast?

A: People all over the world might be in a minority such as LGBTQ, but they’re still different in sexuality, ethnicity, opinion, and perspective. I wanted to make sure I didn’t just interview people with similar backgrounds. I wanted to showcase diversity to raise the bar for learning while listening.

Check out the Identify podcast and the EuroPride Hub, now available through the end of August.

From a Newspaper Ad to the Birth of Thrash Metal: The Story of Metallica

July 27, 2018

Metallica has been synonymous across the world with furious drumming, lightning fast riffing, mosh pits, and sold-out arenas for the last 30 years. Through virtuoso ensemble playing and its use of extremely accelerated tempos, Metallica took rock music to places it had never been before. It is for that reason that Metallica was honored with the prestigious Polar Music Prize in Stockholm earlier this month.

Metallica’s success story is a story to behold. And at the Polar Music Talks, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich took fans back in time to the early 80’s to tell the full story. His talk is now available in an exclusive podcast on Spotify.

In the podcast, Lars Ulrich tells the story of a band dead-set on making it big with an entirely new sound that combined blazing speed, unconventional song structures, complex time signatures, and in-your-face lyrics. Lars put up an ad: “Drummer looking for other metal musicians to jam with,” and a couple of outsiders answered the call. They started to jam together in an LA suburb garage before eventually moving up to the Bay area. By the end of the 80’s, they had birthed four massively successful albums and a new genre: thrash metal.

“Back then, people thought I was crazy listening to Metallica since it was so rough and filled with anger,” says Renaud Doucet, Senior Editor for Metal at Spotify. “But then the ‘Black Album’ came along and the story changed completely. The stars aligned and Metallica became a household name almost overnight with hits like ‘Enter Sandman’ and ‘Nothing Else Matters.’ The band went from being thrash metal pioneers to the one the biggest rock bands around, introducing mainstream audiences to heavy metal and paving the way for more bands in adjacent genres.”

Closing in on their 40th anniversary, the hard-riffing quartet isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. With their Polar Music Prize win, the band joined the ranks of legends like Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Elton John, Emmylou Harris and many more. This year, the band was accompanied by Dr. Ahmad Sarmast, founder and director of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music. Listen to Dr. Sarmast’s full polar talk depicting his brave work bringing traditional music back to Afghanistan.

Metallica is known for constant experimentation that allowed them to come up with new sounds and new ideas, which might be why you receive a different answer every time you ask a fan why they enjoy Metallica’s music. But no matter which of the many albums is your favorite, Metallica fans can all agree that from their first jam sesh to now, Metallica changed the music game.

Check out Metallica biggest hits in This is: Metallica and the complete interview from this year’s Polar ceremony in Stockholm.