Tag: RADAR

Spotify’s Sizzling 2023 Songs of Summer Are Here

a graphic treatment showing suns and clouds

We’ve been waiting all summer, speculating and ruminating on what hot tracks would rise to the top as the songs of the summer. And now we have our answers for what hits have dominated during the past few months.

Drumroll please . . .

Globally, the most-streamed song of the summer is Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma’s smash hit, “Ella Baila Sola.” 

In the U.S., the most-streamed song is Morgan Wallen’s croon-worthy track “Last Night,” the first country song to claim the title on Spotify.

Digging in for a global look

“Ella Baila Sola” topped the chart this summer. Eslabon Armado, an American música Mexicana group, is no stranger to success, with many music awards under their belt. And we knew Peso Pluma was a talent to watch when we declared him a Spotify RADAR artist earlier this year. Three other tracks of Peso Pluma’s also made it into the global Top 30 list this summer: “La Bebe – Remix,” “Peso Pluma: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 55,” and “El Azul.” It’s a big moment for the música Mexicana genre, which has seen 430% growth on Spotify over the past five years, globally.

Coming in hot as the second-most-streamed song globally is Bad Bunny’s “WHERE SHE GOES,” while Jung Kook and Lattos “Seven” sits at number three. 

Antonio Vazquez, Head of U.S. Latin Editorial at Spotify, explained why it’s no surprise that música Mexicana is taking hold of the charts. “Watching the rise of ‘Ella Baila Sola’ to become the global song of the summer has been truly exhilarating,” he said. “It’s a testament to how música Mexicana is not only capturing hearts but also dominating the international music scene and becoming one of the top growth-driving genres globally. This feels like an important milestone, and it’s only getting started.”

Latin music’s popularity has consistently and remarkably risen worldwide. “It’s not just about catchy beats anymore; artists are successfully infusing their music with their personal stories, experiences, and a sense of cultural pride,” said Antonio. “This authenticity, combined with cross-genre collaborations and a globalized music landscape, is contributing to the unstoppable growth of Latin music.” Antonio also noted that “the strong appeal of ‘Ella Baila Sola’ can be attributed to its unique blend of elements that resonate across cultures—the vibrant trombone-driven sound and the infectious requinto intro create a captivating experience.”

Summer party in the USA

In the U.S., listeners were feeling a little bit country this summer, with Morgan Wallen’s track “Last Night” as the most-streamed song. “‘Last Night’ has all the trappings of a hit that transcends genre,” explained Rachel Whitney, Head of Editorial, Nashville. “It kicks off with a storyline that keeps you guessing, and lands in the catchiest hook. It pulls in audiences from across the popular-music spectrum, with elements of R&B, pop, and country all in one. Between the beat, the hook, and the stripped-down guitar intro and Wallen’s signature southern drawl, it’s a song that can get people dancing or gathered around a campfire.” 

Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma’s “Ella Baila Sola” is the second-most-streamed song in the U.S., and Taylor Swift’s Cruel Summer” holds down the number three position.

Overall, listeners had a lot of love for country hits as they splashed the summer away: Five songs from the genre made it onto the U.S. Top 20 list. As Rachel shared, this isn’t so surprising as summer is the season when listening really peaks for country fans—country songs are perfect for road trips and lake days. Morgan landed two more hits on the list with “You Proof” and “Wasted On You,” while “Fast Car” by Luke Combs and “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan also made the cut. 

“Artists like Morgan Wallen, Zach Bryan, and Taylor Swift—with the release of her country album Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)—have driven a surge in the popularity of country music over the summer, especially with younger fans,” said Rachel. 

Sunny trends taking over the states

Here’s what else was trending in the U.S. this summer. 

Viva Latino 

From música Mexicana to reggaetón, Latin music made up 25% of the Top 20 U.S. list, with many tracks also included in our global list. un x100to” by Grupo Frontera and Bad Bunny, “La Bebe – Remix” by Yng Lvcas and Peso Pluma, and “TQM” by Fuerza Regida are among the standouts. 

Angsty anthems 

Emotions ruled with revenge pop anthems like “vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo, “Kill Bill” by SZA, “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” by PinkPantheress and Ice Spice, and, of course, Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer.”

Hi, Barbie! 

One of the summer’s biggest films also drove streams, with two tracks from Barbie The Album making the Top 20 list: “Barbie World (with Aqua) [From Barbie The Album]” by Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, and Aqua, and “Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album)” by Dua Lipa.

Punchy podcast picks and grade-A audiobooks

Music kept the pool parties going, but podcasts and audiobooks were equally hot. Add these faves to your list.

Spotify Editorial’s U.S. summer podcast picks:

Spotify Editorial’s summer audiobook reads:

Summer’s not over yet, so there’s still plenty of time to queue up our Songs of Summer playlist for your next gathering. And if you’re heading out on one last sunny vacation, don’t forget to take a look at our podcast picks and audiobook selections for the perfect story for beach listening.

__________________________________________________________________________

Spotify’s most-streamed songs of summer, globally:

  1. Ella Baila Sola” by Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma
  2. WHERE SHE GOES” by Bad Bunny
  3. Seven (feat. Latto)” by Jung Kook, Latto
  4. Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift
  5. La Bebe – Remix” by Yng Lvcas, Peso Pluma
  6. un x100to” by Grupo Frontera, Bad Bunny
  7. Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
  8. Daylight” by David Kushner
  9. Sprinter” by Dave, Central Cee
  10. As It Was” by Harry Styles
  11. Cupid – Twin Ver.” by FIFTY FIFTY
  12. LALA” by Myke Towers
  13. Kill Bill” by SZA
  14. Peso Pluma: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 55” by Bizarrap, Peso Pluma
  15. vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo
  16. Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album)” by Dua Lipa
  17. Classy 101” by Feid, Young Miko
  18. TQM” by Fuerza Regida
  19. I Wanna Be Yours” by Arctic Monkeys
  20. Calm Down” by Rema, Selena Gomez

Spotify’s most-streamed songs of summer in the U.S.:

  1. Last Night” by Morgan Wallen
  2. Ella Baila Sola” by Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma
  3. Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift
  4. fukumean” by Gunna
  5. vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo
  6. Fast Car” by Luke Combs
  7. Kill Bill” by SZA
  8. See You Again (feat. Kali Uchis)” by Tyler, The Creator
  9. un x100to” by Grupo Frontera, Bad Bunny
  10. You Proof” by Morgan Wallen
  11. All My Life (feat. J. Cole)” by Lil Durk, J. Cole
  12. WHERE SHE GOES” by Bad Bunny
  13. La Bebe – Remix” by Yng Lvcas, Peso Pluma
  14. Barbie World (with Aqua) [From Barbie The Album]” by Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, Aqua
  15. Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan
  16. Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” by PinkPantheress, Ice Spice
  17. Wasted On You” by Morgan Wallen
  18. TQM” by Fuerza Regida
  19. Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album)” by Dua Lipa
  20. Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift

 

The Giants of Africa Festival Inspires African Youth to ‘Dream Big’ Through Basketball, Culture, and Music

As one of the fastest-growing music markets in the world, Africa is home to dynamic genres like Afrobeats and amapiano that have taken pop music by storm. And while artists like Burna Boy, Rema, CKay, Wizkid, Tems, and Davido have risen as icons on their home continent, they’ve also succeeded on the global stage. 

The future is bright for African music and its stars, but there’s also a new generation of talent outside of music who are ready to show the world what they can do. That’s why we’re teaming up with the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali, Rwanda, to showcase a shared vision for the continent’s future through music and basketball.   

To tip off the event, which runs August 13-19 and will see over 250 youth from 16 African countries in attendance, we worked with Giants of Africa (GOA) to create a special video, Music In Motion. Featuring players from the Nigeria Youth National Team who took time to share the ways music and basketball are linked in their lives. 

Co-founded by NBA executive Masai Ujiri, GOA uses basketball as an avenue to inspire African youth to dream big while also emphasizing education, empowerment, and leadership. Since 2003, GOA has positively impacted over 40,000 African youth across 17 countries by providing access to basketball courts and skills camps.

Along with the Music In Motion video, Spotify will also be presenting the festival’s closing concert. The headliner will be the magnetic Davido, and he’ll be joined by Tiwa Savage, the Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress known as the Queen of Afrobeats; Rwanda’s own Bruce Melodie, a gifted singer-songwriter known for his soulful melodies; and Tyla, a rising star recently selected as a featured artist for our RADAR program. Their performances promise to create an electrifying atmosphere and leave a lasting impression on festival attendees.

Together with GOA, we’re committed to supporting a new generation of talent by uniting the best of African youth, basketball, music, and culture.

Be sure to hit play on our Giants of Africa playlist, which features Afro hits from the 16 countries represented at the continent’s premier basketball festival. 

RADAR Artist Reneé Rapp Dives Headfirst Into Her Music Career With a New Single, Album, and Tour

Renee Rapp sitting in a blue room facing the camera

Fans may already know 23-year-old Reneé Rapp from her theater and television careers. Now it’s time for the North Carolina native’s third act—and the one she’s most passionate about—her music career.

Music has always been a present and important part of her life, with Reneé starting to write and record songs when she was a teen. In 2022, she released her first single, “Tattoos,” and then followed it up with her EP, Everything to Everyone. Her pop-driven songs include a range of soft-spoken lyrics and belt-out-loud ballads.

As Reneé prepares for the release of her debut album, Snow Angel, on August 18, the star takes the title of Spotify’s newest RADAR US artist. RADAR, a global Spotify program, is dedicated to showcasing emerging and talented artists around the world through support and resources that help selected artists expand their audiences.

It’s been incredible to watch Reneé’s growth over the past year—her talent is undeniable,” shared Ashley Graver, Spotify’s Head of Pop, Dance & Indie, Artist Partnerships. “We took an interest in Reneé early on when she had only released two songs and had yet to announce a single live show. Her sound and energy are unmatched. She has a wildly devoted fan base that constantly proclaims their love and has anointed her the next big pop star, and we’re excited to introduce her to an even bigger audience through RADAR.”

Through the RADAR program, Reneé is featured in the RADAR US social content series, which includes an exclusive interview with the artist and a stripped-back performance of a track off her new album. Additionally, she will receive marketing support throughout key milestones, like on-platform promotion, visuals in Times Square, a feature in RADAR’s quarterly partnership with Rolling Stone, and more. The singer is currently showcased on the cover of the RADAR US playlist, and her latest track, “Talk Too Much,” is featured prominently at the top.

“We are very excited to partner with Reneé through our RADAR program. Last year, our editors noticed her music not only because of the quality but also because of the way it was resonating with our users,” said J.J. Italiano, Spotify’s Head of Global Hits. “As we worked with Reneé and her team to help grow her audience on Spotify, we were taken by her passion, motivation, and ambition. When watching her perform as part of our Pop Rising On Tour program, it was immediately clear that she was connecting to fans in the real world as intensely as she was connecting with them on our platform. We’re honored to be a part of Reneé’s journey and looking forward to what’s to come.”

This fall, Reneé will embark on her Snow Hard Feelings tour with Alexander 23, a singer-songwriter and producer who worked with Reneé on the new album. Many shows are already sold out, proving that her presence doesn’t have to be on Broadway or TV screens for fans to flock to her. This is only the beginning for the actress and singer, and through RADAR, we hope to introduce Reneé’s catchy and captivating sound to even more audiences around the globe.

 

Fans can find music from Reneé, and other promising artists to watch, on our RADAR US playlist.

LE SSERAFIM Takes Its Daring Brand of K-Pop to the World as Our Latest RADAR Korea Group

From the very start, K-Pop girl group LE SSERAFIM made it known they would stand at the top. Consisting of members Sakura, Chaewon, Yunjin, Kazuha, and Eunchae, the group has garnered global attention with its unwavering spirit and infectious sound. This is even evident in its name—an anagram of the phrase “I’m fearless”—which serves as a mantra to represent the members’ self-confidence and unbreakable poise.

Now the LE SSERAFIM is taking the next step toward pop superstardom as RADAR Korea’s newest featured act.

RADAR, a global Spotify program, is dedicated to showcasing emerging and talented artists around the world through support and resources that help selected artists expand their global audiences. As part of the RADAR program, Spotify is providing promotional support to LE SSERAFIM through interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and billboard placements. We also worked with the group on a RADAR mini-documentary, which you can watch in full below or catch some footage on the Clips featured in our RADAR Korea playlist.

LE SSERAFIM marked its arrival last year with its debut EP FEARLESS and quickly followed that up with a second EP, ANTIFRAGILE. Last month, exactly one year after its first release, the group released UNFORGIVEN, its debut studio album that further showcases the group’s determination to pave its own path. 

Since then, the group’s most-streamed songs globally include: 

“We deeply appreciate the opportunity to connect more closely with our fans around the world through Spotify’s RADAR program,” said Chaewon. “We look forward to continuing to challenge ourselves by sharing music and telling stories that are uniquely LE SSERAFIM.”

Since its launch in 2020, RADAR Korea has supported various emerging Korean artists—including AleXa, ASH ISLAND, NMIXX, SOLE, and Huh—and introduced them to Spotify listeners around the world.

Check out the hottest sounds from these artists and more with the RADAR Korea playlist.

RADAR US Is Back With Peso Pluma, the Emerging Hitmaker Taking Música Mexicana to the Global Stage

peso pluma holds his sunglasses over his eyes while sticking his tongue out

As Música Mexicana (Mexican music) increasingly captivates fans around the world, few of the genre’s stars have risen as rapidly as Mexico’s Peso Pluma. The 23-year-old singer, rapper, and songwriter is booming, evolving from social media sensation to prolific hitmaker.

Now the young star is the latest featured artist in the RADAR US class of 2023.

RADAR is our program that spotlights emerging talent from around the world, helping artists at all stages of their career develop and expand their global reach on their path to superstardom. As part of the program, Peso Pluma will receive marketing, editorial, and on-platform support over the course of the next few months, including a feature as our RADAR US playlist cover star. 

Peso Pluma’s big break came in 2022 with his single “El Belicon,” which features Raul Vega and was supported on playlists like Corridos and Los Que Mandan. Nearly one year later, he cemented himself as Música Mexicana’s newest star with “Ella Baila Sola,” featuring Eslabon Armado. The single became Spotify’s all-time most-streamed Musica Mexicana track in one day globally and the most-streamed Latin song in the U.S in one single day in April 2023. 

peso pluma sitting on a stool in front of a mic with members of his band behind him.

With Peso at the forefront of the genre, Música Mexicana has exploded in popularity over the past five years. Contributing to Latin music’s dominance on the chart, the genre has grown over 431% in streams on Spotify globally. Check out these additional stats: 

  • Peso Pluma is currently #4 on Spotify’s Top Artists globally.
  • Ella Baila Sola” is currently #1 on Spotify’s Top 50 US and Top 50 Global charts.
  • Peso Pluma has over 48 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and he’s the 48th-most-popular artist on-platform.
  • Today, 10 out of the top 20 songs on Spotify’s Daily Top Songs Global chart are Latin, five of which are by Mexican artists. This is a testament to the increasing popularity of Música Mexicana.

And Peso Pluma isn’t slowing down anytime soon. With his third studio album slated for release this summer, he’s also gearing up for a U.S. tour that kicks off in June. Amid all the excitement, For the Record sat down with Peso to talk about his biggest inspirations, the future of Latin music, and how it feels to be a RADAR US artist.

How did your journey into music begin?

I’ve always enjoyed music, but I actually was more into sports. I started playing around with music because I had friends that enjoyed it. I didn’t think I was that good at first, but I kept practicing and I did it with passion. After a while, I started writing with my cousin Tito. It was definitely a rough journey, but I stayed true to myself!

peso pluma looks down at the floor while wearing sunglasses

What’s your creative process like?

I try to not over think it—I listen to a song and just vibe with it. I imagine how all of the instruments will sound around my vocals, and how I can add my personal stamp to it. If I can’t do that, then the song probably isn’t for me. I like to get involved in production, but my producers and musicians are definitely an important part of the whole process.

What would you like your fans to get out of your music?

I want my fans to smile, laugh, cry, and dance. I want my music to make them feel something, and I want them to enjoy it as much as I do.

Which artists have inspired you the most?

Drake, Bad Bunny, Travis Scott, Natanael Cano. I look up to so many different artists. I love music and I draw inspiration from a lot of people.

What are you looking forward to as a RADAR US artist? 

I’m looking forward to exposing more of the world to Música Mexicana and to my culture. There’s a lot more to us than people might think. We have a lot to offer, and I’m sure we can make an impact out there.

What are you most looking forward to as Latin music, and particularly Música Mexicana, starts to become a beloved genre worldwide?

I’m looking forward to showing everyone that we can make global music, too. It’s a really special opportunity to show people that we can reach fans around the world.

Are there any Spotify for Artists tools you use regularly?

I always use my Spotify for Artists app to check on new releases through the real-time Listening Now feature that shows what people are listening to at the moment. It makes me feel connected to them in a way.

What’s something people don’t know about you?

I really care about the details. I always want to make sure I’m giving my best in every possible way. I’m also very specific about the vision for my projects. Overall, I’m just passionate about music and I want to transmit that to the world.

What are some of your rituals before you record a song?

I just go for it. Once we’ve got everything in place with my producers and musicians, everything flows from there. 

Any advice for fellow emerging artists?

Don’t give up on your dreams. It sounds cliché, but don’t stop! Be original and unique in your own way. Hard work pays off, and most importantly, so does being true to yourself.

Listen to Peso Pluma and more rising stars in our RADAR US playlist.

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

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

Raissa Anggiani Berhasil Raih Kesuksesan Melalui RADAR Indonesia dan Buka Peluang Bagi Angkatan 2023

Raissa Anggiani tidak butuh waktu lama untuk membuat pendengar Indonesia terpukau. Dengan mengusung genre folk-pop dan bedroom-pop, penyanyi berusia 19 tahun ini membuat para penggemar terus memutar lagu-lagunya, seperti “Kau Rumahku” dan “if you could see me cryin’ in my room,” lagu duetnya bersama artis pop Indonesia, Arash Buana.

Raissa mulai mencuri perhatian sejak 2022, di tahun yang sama ketika ia menjadi bagian RADAR, program Spotify untuk memberdayakan artis pendatang baru di seluruh dunia. Sejak mendapat sorotan di program RADAR dan dukungan melalui platform Spotify, Raissa berhasil meraih 151 persen peningkatan dalam monthly listeners, 629 persen peningkatan followers di artist page, dan 790 persen kenaikan dalam jumlah stream selama setahun terakhir.

“RADAR merupakan program yang penting untuk kami di Spotify. Kami selalu mencari cara untuk mendukung artis di setiap tahap kariernya dan RADAR menjadi salah satu upaya kami untuk menyediakan kesempatan bagi artis pendatang baru untuk bersinar,” ujar Kossy Ng, Head of Music Spotify Asia. “Raissa adalah contoh luar biasa bagaimana program ini membantu artis lokal. Kami sangat bangga pada dia.” 

Penyanyi kelahiran Jakarta ini masuk ke dalam playlist RADAR Indonesia 2022 di Spotify dan menjadi bagian kampanye #RamadandiSpotify. Ia juga terpilih sebagai ambassador EQUAL dan menjadi bagian penting dari program ini yang bertujuan untuk mendukung serta memberi kesempatan bagi para artis perempuan di industri musik.

“Rasanya luar biasa sekali bisa berada di posisi sekarang ini, apalagi buat aku yang terhitung masih baru di industri musik. Spotify sudah menjadi salah satu bagian besar dalam perjalananku berkarier di musik dan membuatku kembali sadar bahwa tidak mustahil untuk mewujudkan mimpi-mimpi besar karena siapa pun bisa dan mampu mewujudkannya,” ujar Raissa Anggiani. “RADAR membuka pintu untuk banyak kesempatan luar biasa, salah satunya adalah menjadi ambassador EQUAL Indonesia, RADAR membuatku menjadi lebih yakin atas potensi diriku.”

Lagunya ‘Kau Rumahku’ masuk dalam 10 besar tangga lagu mingguan Spotify Indonesia dan bertahan selama 24 minggu berturut-turut, meraih lebih dari 96 juta stream secara global. Saat ini, Raissa sedang mempersiapkan sebuah mini album dengan berkolaborasi bersama beberapa produser agar dapat terus terhubung dan membuat pendengar terbuai dengan alunan melodinya. 

RADAR Indonesia Angkatan 2023

Kami senang sekali dapat mengumumkan deretan musisi berbakat yang menjadi bagian dari RADAR Indonesia. Tahun ini, program RADAR menyoroti 10 artis yang merepresentasikan berbagai genre, mulai dari pop ke indie, sampai ke folk.

  • Anggi Marito memuncaki tangga lagu mingguan Spotify Indonesia dengan lagunya yang menyentuh.
  • Awdella dan Bernadya memukau pendengar dengan suara soulful-nya.
  • Aziz Hedra, yang juga masuk dalam 10 besar tangga lagu mingguan Spotify Indonesia dan menempati posisi di beberapa tangga lagu Top 50 Viral Songs, siap membawa ke musik R&B-nya yang unik.
  • Naura Ayu membawakan gabungan melodi pop dan R&B yang energik. 
  • Hal dan Nadhif Basalamah memikat fans dengan lagu folk dan indie-pop mereka. 
  • Stereo Wall memberikan dorongan semangat lewat musiknya yang bergenre alternative rock.
  • ENVY* menunjukan hip-hop beats yang autentik bagi pendengar.
  • Suara merdu Maulana Ardiansyah bisa didengar melalui lagu pop-melayu miliknya.

Para artis tersebut sedang menunjukan pesona mereka dan menarik pendengar baru setiap harinya. Kalau kamu penasaran dengan artis RADAR Indonesia angkatan 2023, dengarkan lagu mereka melalui  playlist RADAR Indonesia di sini:

RADAR Poland Returns With 5 Artists Who Embrace a Truly Genreless Sound

RADAR serves as Spotify’s program to spotlight rising talent from around the world, supporting emerging artists on their journey to global stardom—including 15 up-and-coming Polish creators to date.

Since RADAR’s launch in 2020, we’ve offered support through dedicated playlists, special editorial placements, and personalized marketing plans, helping expand the profiles of many of these entertainers. One of our 2022 featured artists, Marissa, boosted her global Spotify streams by a cool 2,500%.

Now we’re launching our fourth edition of RADAR Poland. This year’s edition includes IGNACY, Frank Leen, ta Ukrainka, bambi, and stickxr. As music moves beyond the era of strictly defined genres, these five new artists represent a growing trend coming out of Poland: a distinct, genreless sound that draws not only from a variety of musical styles, but also from art, social media, and the international music scene.

This fluid, borderless approach is resonating with Poland’s young listeners, who are basing their music tastes on qualities like mood, vibe, and lyrical content.

As part of the RADAR Poland program, each of the featured artists released a new single today, on which we’ve worked with them to provide the necessary support and resources.

Keep reading to find out why these rising talents have fans buzzing.

Frank Leen

Frank Leen is a singer-songwriter with a genre-bending sound that spans house, pop, and alternative rap. The 26-year-old has also made a name for himself as a producer, collaborating with artists like Mr. Polska, Abel de Jong, and Alicja.

Stream Frank Leen’s new single, “Most”:

ta Ukrainka

Born in Lubny, a small town in central Ukraine, ta Ukrainka makes powerful music that explores themes like war and emigration. She seamlessly shifts between alternative sounds, showcasing a different musical and visual aesthetic with each single she releases.

Stream ta Ukrainka’s new single, “(Chyba) Ostatni Dzień”:

bambi

This 20-year-old has caught the attention of the Polish rap scene, incorporating the sounds of hyperpop and trap into her songs. Her single “IRL” recently took Poland by storm, becoming Spotify’s most-streamed track in the country for almost two weeks.

Stream bambi’s new single, “Milie Walky”:

IGNACY

IGNACY doesn’t let any one genre fully define him, but he does derive his sound from extensive professional jazz training. A talented piano player who writes his own music, IGNACY had a breakout moment with his 2022 single “Czekam Na Znak” and was recently nominated for a Fryderyk award—the Polish equivalent of a Grammy.

Stream IGNACY’s new single, “Samoloty”:

stickxr

With multiple tracks garnering millions of Spotify streams, stickxr has quickly made a name for himself. This young artist started out as a rapper but has evolved as a vocalist, with his most recent songs evoking pop, punk, and indie sounds.

Stream stickxr’s new single, “kartki”:

Now that you know the artists, dive into this melting pot of sounds on our RADAR Poland playlist.

Airbnb and Spotify Team Up During Thailand’s Songkran Festival to Help Travelers Relax and Rejuvenate

As Thailand kicked off its new year and celebrated Songkran, we teamed up with Airbnb to help travelers find the hottest songs and stays for their wellness getaways. 

Airbnb and Spotify jointly curated the popular T-Pop playlist เหนื่อยนักพักก่อน (Let’s Get Some Rest), which includes travel-inspired hits from some of Thailand’s most popular artists. Airbnb also created the wellness-themed “Sawasdee Songkran” Wishlist showcasing unique Thai homes where travelers could enjoy a rejuvenating getaway and tune into the top Thai hits.

“Travel and music go hand in hand. Whether you’re curating the perfect flight playlist or unwinding to tunes in your Airbnb stay, music is often a key component of a travel journey,” said Cheryl Tay, who leads communications for Airbnb in Southeast Asia. “Songkran in particular is known for exuberant water fights, colorful celebrations in the streets, and days of merrymaking that are soundtracked by joyful music. But it also marks an opportunity for us to rest and reset as we embrace the dawn of a new year. As the world returns to normal, we wanted to emphasize the importance of seeking rest.”

From stylish beachside villas to dreamy treehouse cabins in the woods, we’ve offered Airbnb guests the chance to make their stay even more memorable with Spotify’s latest Premium Mini offer in Thailand. Available for just THB2, guests have been able to sign up right from their phones and soundtrack their adventures with one week of nonstop, ad-free music listening.

To get travelers in the holiday spirit, we also launched our brand-new playlist สวัสดีสงกรานต์ (Sawasdee Songkran). Filled with homegrown Thai artists like GAVIN.D, YOUNGOHM, and SPRITE, we’re introducing the world to the sounds of Tud Tud, Pump Pump, and Ah Ah—well-known rhythms that help make some of the most popular Thai songs so catchy.

To learn more about how travel and music play into the culture and traditions of Songkran, For the Record spoke with Piyoros Luckcam, Spotify’s Senior Music Editor, Thailand.

What role does music traditionally play in Thailand’s Songkran celebrations? 

Music is the world’s greatest connecting force. When Thailand comes to life for Songkran every April, music helps make the experience more immersive and meaningful for Thais and visitors from all over the world. Crowds throng the streets, pulsating to the sounds of popular Thai genres as they’re energized by Thailand’s warm and fun-loving culture. 

Much like the rest of the year, music is the soundtrack to the lives of Thais. The name Songkran is derived from a Sanskrit word that means “to start new,” but we also like to think that it reflects how Thai music—especially Thai pop and hip-hop—has been refreshed in recent times. 

Whether splashing water, stepping into a temple, or traveling home to visit family, Songkran is a moment to pause and soak in the melodic tunes of joy and reflection. 

Are there specific qualities about Thai-Pop (T-Pop) that make it a popular genre for festive moments in Thailand?

Songkran is a time when everyone comes together to literally soak up the fun on the streets. As people dive into a new year of resolutions and adventure, the catchy beats and memorable lyrics of T-Pop capture this period’s energy and verve. We’ve seen global consumption of T-Pop doubling in the past year, with no signs of slowing down. 

Thailand continues to see its passionate artists supercharging the growth of its music industry. The new generation of T-Pop artists and bands, known for their high-octane performances and uplifting lyrics, is starting to draw attention from fans around the globe. 

How do the RADAR Thailand and EQUAL Thailand artists embody the spirit of Songkran with their music?

The Thai New Year often calls for new aspirations or rejuvenation—not just for locals, but for international visitors experiencing the cultural moment. Our collaboration with Airbnb will not only inspire Thais to relax and rejuvenate during the New Year holidays, but also celebrate local culture and its people by making connections with Airbnb hosts and discovering our RADAR and EQUAL artists

We hope that as listeners travel the country with loved ones, they’ll feel inspired by the diversity and vibrancy of Thailand’s music scene and the hit songs that encapsulate the spirit of Songkran.

Looking for more T-Pop vibes? Check many of Thailand’s hottest songs from up-and-coming artists on our new playlist เต้นแบบสับ (Dance Like Chop). 

RADAR US Returns With the Soulful, Ever-Evolving Singer-Songwriter Q

Side Profile of Q

It can often be difficult for a musician to develop a sound that is distinctly and uniquely their own, but Florida singer, songwriter, and producer Q Marsden, known mononymously as Q, has found his within the ever-changing variety of music itself. With his soulful voice, vulnerable lyrics, and production elements that span across genres, Q has made a name for himself as one of R&B’s strongest and most promising rising stars. 

And now the musical jack-of-all-trades is the latest artist in the RADAR US class of 2023.

Spotify’s RADAR program is committed to supporting artists on their paths to superstardom, helping rising talent at all stages of their development strengthen their connection to audiences while encouraging their ongoing artistic development.

Hailing from Pembroke Pines, Florida, the 23-year-old musician made his debut in 2018 but has been laying down tracks since he was a child. Q grew up in a musical family and credits Drake’s 2013 album Nothing Was The Same as the reason for his focus on the production process. Taking inspiration from rap, R&B, reggae, and funk, his latest EP, NOT ALONE, showcases his ever-evolving style and talent.

As part of his involvement in the RADAR program, Q will be launching a countdown page for the upcoming release of his album Soul,PRESENT with bespoke clips and debuting a stripped-back performance video featuring a focus track. The rising star will also step into our studio to record Spotify Singles and is prominently featured as the cover artist on the RADAR US playlist, with photos taken by director/photographer Kaito.

For the Record sat down with Q to talk about his musical journey, his inspirations, and how it feels to be a RADAR US artist.   

Tell us about your journey into music.

Q Standing with a microphoneMy journey started when I was a young child. The earliest memory I have is when I was five years old playing on my mom’s keyboard and going to my dad’s recording studio in Jamaica. I grew up making music and having fun exploring my creativity, which both of my parents encouraged. In high school, I traded my guitar for a MacBook and started making beats, which made me really fall in love with the production process.

From there I started rapping, but as I explored new artists and alternative sounds, my musical style shifted. After graduating high school, I released my first project to showcase my talent and people began to take notice. From there I switched my sound up, started to play guitar again, and moved into the singing that I’m doing now.

What’s your creative process like?

I don’t think about it too much, to be honest, I just wake up and think, “What am I going to do? What am I going to use?” Then I just go and chisel away at a song throughout the morning.

What would you like your fans to get out of your music?

I’d like them to hear a message of hope, to be honest. A lot of times when we listen to music, there’s more of a focus on relatability and not offering any type of solution. So I try to promote solid messages for people to help them with things like grief. I don’t want to leave people with a sense that they have to remain in the state they are currently in, because there are other emotions to explore and we don’t want to stay in just one place forever.

Which artists have inspired you the most?

Quincy Jones has really inspired me a lot because of his approach to production. Michael Jackson too, because, well, everyone listened to Michael Jackson. 

In a lot of interviews I’ve always been asked who inspired me, but I’ve never really known what to say. But this year, as I started listening to more music, I realized that the reggae artist Dennis Brown has inspired me in so many tangible ways. He’s just a really smart musician and singer.

And Drake! Oh man, Drake. When I was listening to him I was thinking, “This man is saying some deep stuff.” I just never felt like I’ve heard production on a scale that Nothing Was The Same was on. It was just mind-blowing to me.

What are you looking forward to as a RADAR US artist?

I’m looking forward to my music being in front of a lot more people. It all has to start with people listening to your music, and Spotify has given me the opportunity to showcase my work. It’s really a blessing.

Are there any Spotify for Artist tools you use regularly? 

I thought it was so cool when I was able to put the lyrics up with my songs, because it’s just a little thing that makes the listening experience better. And I’m really excited to use video elements with my music, especially on the project I’m developing now. And also, it’s not an artist tool, but I really love the DJ! I use it all the time.

Any advice for fellow emerging artists?

Be confident in what you do, but be open to listening to others. It’s amazing and easy to be confident, but sometimes it’s good to have that bit of external guidance that takes you to places you never thought you would go. It’s very important to have that balance between doing and listening.  

In my music, I’ve done everything myself. But now I know that I’m going to need new perspectives to help me evolve my sound, and that’s been helping me a lot. Even if you do 99% of the work, letting someone help you with that final one percent can go a long way.

Listen to Q along with more of the best and brightest new talent in our RADAR US playlist.

RADAR Italia Returns With 6 Artists Who Are Changing the Face of Italian Pop

Since its launch in 2020, RADAR has served as Spotify’s program to showcase emerging artists from all around the world, supporting them and taking their talents to the global musical stage. 

Now, we’re launching our third edition of RADAR Italia, featuring Assurditè, Asteria, Camilla Magli, Icy Subzero, Naska, and piazzabologna.

These six artists reflect the kaleidoscope of new pop sounds taking Italy by storm. And as part of the program, they will all receive Spotify support in the form of a dedicated playlist, special editorial placement, and personalized marketing plan.

In the previous editions of the program, 24 artists significantly increased their audiences, and many found new fans from other parts of the globe. 

  • Rhove was the first Italian artist to be named one of Spotify’s RADAR Global artists, reflecting the worldwide potential of Italian music. He saw his daily Spotify listens increase by 775% globally following his RADAR participation, and his hit single “Shakerando caught fire last year, becoming Spotify’s second-most-streamed song in Italy in 2022.
  • BLANCO has seen his career hit new heights since taking part in RADAR Italia. In 2022, he partnered with Mahmood on the Sanremo-winning track Brividi,” which conquered the record for the most-listened-to song in a single day in Italy in the history of Spotify. And globally, he’s seen his Spotify streams grow by 3,000%.
  • ARIETE rode the wave of her RADAR momentum in 2022, increasing her worldwide followers by 560% and her number of global Spotify streams by 160%.

Our latest rising stars showcase the innovation and experimentation coming from the world of Italian pop as well. 

“Spotify has always aimed to capture the ways that music and culture are constantly evolving in our different markets,” said Melanie Parejo, Spotify Head of Music for Southern Europe. “One thing we’ve noticed are more fluid styles that can’t be easily categorized. The six artists selected for the 2023 edition of RADAR Italia fully represent this phenomenon, with a pop sound that’s varied and inclusive of many genres.”

Get to know the six artists participating in the 2023 edition of RADAR Italia. 

Icy Subzero 

Born in Rome, Icy Subzero (aka Matteo D’Alessio) is a young and promising artist who is infusing Italian pop with a dose of rap. After first releasing a string of singles between 2019 and 2020, Icy Subzero upped the ante with his 2022 EP, Sottozero. Featuring tracks like “EGO” and “MUJER,” which were certified Gold and Platinum in Italy, respectively, the album gave the Italian rapper his first taste of fame.

Naska 

When it comes to Italian pop’s punk influences, Naska (aka Diego Caterbetti) is a shining example of this new trend. As soon as he finished high school, he moved to Milan to focus on his musical journey. Growing up with the pop-punk hits of Blink 182 and Sum 41, he later became passionate about the American emo trap scene led by Lil Peep.

Assurditè

Chiara Balzan (aka Assurditè) is a singer-songwriter from the Milanese hinterland. Capable of transporting us into a colorful, sparkling, and ironic world, ​​Assurditè blends indie with R&B, and delicacy with coolness.

Asteria

Asteria (aka Anita Ferrari) is a 23-year-old Bergamo native. With lyrics that reflect the constantly changing and chaotic circumstances of modern society, this singer-songwriter takes us on a journey through her mysterious and nocturnal soundscapes.

Camilla Magli

Born and raised in Carovigno (BR), this Italian singer-songwriter first appeared on Italy’s version of X Factor in 2014. Since this appearance, she’s further developed her sound, combining poetic and introspective songwriting with melodic and dreamlike atmospheres.

piazzabologna

While the project may appear to be helmed by a single person, piazzabologna is actually a collective made up of several vocalists and instrumentalists. Their songs represent the natural evolution of Italian indie with an eye constantly fixed on Italy’s pop canon. This trait is exemplified by their single “Per sentirsi meno soli.”

Like what you heard? Discover the artists who are reinventing Italian pop on our playlist RADAR Italia.

K-Hip-Hop Star Huh Is Ready to Take On the World as Our Newest RADAR Korea Artist

Korean artist Huh looking directly at the camera. He is wearing a pink jacket and there are city building in the background

Since its launch in 2020, RADAR has served as Spotify’s program to showcase emerging artists from all around the world, supporting them and taking their talents to the global musical stage. The program’s South Korean initiative, in particular, has introduced artists like AleXa, ASH ISLAND, NMIXX, and SOLE to the world, revealing the country’s breadth of promising new talent.  

And this month, hip-hop sensation Huh is stepping up as the first RADAR Korea artist of 2023. 

Huh made his debut in 2019 when he appeared on the ninth season of the popular Mnet rap competition Show Me the Money. He caught the eye of competition team leaders Choiza and Gaeko of Dynamicduo, who later invited him to join their Amoeba Culture label. Huh hit the ground running with a string of singles and live performances, and the release of his debut album, 926. Last year, Huh returned to Show Me the Money, where he wowed audiences with his track “Midnight Law.”

Now he graces the cover of the official RADAR Korea playlist. 

“I’m excited to be able to connect with listeners around the world and introduce my own colors and music as an artist through Spotify’s RADAR program,” Huh told For the Record. “I’m grateful for the opportunity Spotify has given me as the first RADAR Korea artist of this year, and I’ll continue to showcase who I am and the music I love.”  

This is just the latest example of Spotify’s commitment to spreading the innovative sounds of Korean hip-hop throughout the world. In addition to the relaunch of our global K-hip-hop playlist KrOWN, Spotify partnered with Amoeba Culture in January to launch the K-hip-hop Rookies program, which aims to support rising talent in Korean hip-hop.  

Listen to more of Huh and the amazing new talent in the RADAR Korea playlist.