Tag: Southeast Asia

5 Video Podcasts From VICE Media Group Are Coming to Spotify in Southeast Asia

December 20, 2022

More and more, people of all ages are turning to video podcasts to stay up-to-date on what’s happening locally and globally. And in Indonesia, nearly one in two Indonesians regularly listens to podcasts, according to the VICE 2022 Indonesia Census. Indonesia also ranks in the top 10 countries globally for podcast consumption on Spotify as of November 2022. 

So in a fated meeting of the minds, VICE Media Group and Spotify in Southeast Asia are joining for the duo’s first content partnership. Together, we produced a series of five Spotify Original Video podcasts that reflect Indonesia’s vibrant and diverse music, youth, and cultural scenes as a nod to VICE’s 10 million unique monthly users there, more than 86% of whom are between ages 16 and 34. 

“VICE is trusted by young audiences to cut through the noise to deliver a distinct perspective on today’s music and culture, as well as what’s coming next,” says Nilesh Zaveri, Managing Director, VICE Media Group APAC. “This exclusive partnership with Spotify represents a significant opportunity to create distinctive video podcast content for Indonesia’s youth, and we look forward to exploring additional opportunities to bring the VICE brand to more audiences, across media platforms, throughout Asia Pacific.” 

This series of five Spotify Original Video podcasts, created and produced locally by VICE Media’s team in Jakarta, will include three daily and two weekly video podcasts. Hosted by some of the best in the industry, they will cover a myriad of today’s hottest topics, such as current and emerging Indonesian musicians, artists, and movie stars; the latest music news and trends; and what young Indonesians think of their country today and their place in society. 

VICE daily Spotify Original Video podcasts include:

  • The Daily Fix, hosted by Indonesian hip-hop artist Laze, is a music-focused daily quick hit covering the latest music news and updates, with a hint of nostalgic moments from Indonesian music that can’t be missed.
  • WTF (Wow Ternyata Faktual) showcases real-life factual stories from VICE’s editorial team that, no matter how seemingly absurd, are all true. The series is hosted by influencer, singer, and model Sailormoney. 
  • Soundcheck, hosted by rapper Basboi, is a daily podcast that recommends the newest Indonesian artists and bands based on various topics and moods. No matter your situation, Soundcheck has a playlist for it. 

VICE’s weekly Spotify Original Video podcasts include:

  • Census Nusantara is where Indonesia’s youth share what they think about the country they live in and who they are as people. The video podcast is hosted by content creator Fathia Izzati and singer Raka Ibrahim. 
  • Indo-Pop, which is hosted by renowned local artist Basboi, is a video podcast that features artists and prominent figures from Indonesia’s pop culture scene. From indie superstars to movie stars, guests share what inspired their last releases, what their top five albums of all time are, and which artists shaped them.

“2022 has been an amazing year of growth for us in Indonesia,” notes Carl Zuzarte, Head of Studios for Southeast Asia at Spotify. “We introduced new format innovations such as video podcasts, among others, to further build upon the podcast ecosystem in Indonesia while also expanding on the podcast experience on Spotify. Also, we’re always on the lookout for top content creators to work with to deliver best-in-class content. That’s why we’re excited to partner with VICE Media Group to present this stellar slate of five video podcasts featuring collaborations with Indonesia’s most current and popular cultural creators, artists, and musicians.”

Watch the five new video podcasts, available only on Spotify.

OneRepublic, F.HERO, Stray Kids, and More Wow Crowds at Spotify On Stage Bangkok

October 17, 2019

Just a few weeks after Spotify On Stage JKT’s unbelievable night of performances, Southeast Asian music lovers flocked to Bangkok’s BITEC Bangna Hall 106. There, thousands of fans enjoyed a similar powerful energy at Spotify On Stage BKK, where artists from around the world wowed the crowds with showstopping numbers.

“The atmosphere tonight was incredible. We saw fans come out in droves to experience some of the most exciting artists in Asia and the world today,” said Gautam Talwar, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Spotify. “This is the second year we’ve held Spotify On Stage in Bangkok, and it’s truly a show like no other. From international acts to homegrown superstars, Spotify On Stage brings the discovery of music and culture to life.”

Thai actress, singer, and host for the evening Joy Nattanita introduced the concert, revving up the crowd for a night to remember. She also welcomed each act onstage for a live chat, creating one-of-a-kind personal moments with the musical groups. Fans had the opportunity to win merch like signed photos and ask their favorite performers questions live onstage, highlighting the concert series’ signature connection between fans and artists.

Nine-member boy band Stray Kids kicked off the night’s musical numbers, setting a high bar through heavy, danceable beats and a dazzling stage setup. The South Korean group got the crowd moving with stunning choreography as they performed their top hits, including “MIROH,” “My Pace,” and “Hellevator.” And as a special treat, the boys also sang their latest single, “Double Knot.”

Next up was Thai superstar F.HERO, who brought the local vibes to the scene. Fans grooved along to his most popular songs and enjoyed a mashup like no other when Thai rappers YOUNGOHM and FIIXD joined him onstage.

To bring it all home, American band OneRepublic rocked the stadium with a power-packed 45-minute set. Pulling from their decade-long repertoire, the pop-rock ensemble played their biggest hits, including “Counting Stars,” “Apologize,” and “Secrets,” plus their new single “Wanted,” which been streamed more than 20 million times on Spotify in just one month.

Get a glimpse of the artist Q&A responses on the @SpotifyThailand Twitter page, and check out the photo gallery below for some Spotify On Stage BKK highlights.

Celebrate the Diverse Voices of the Asian Diaspora

May 29, 2019

May marks Asian Heritage Month—it’s a straightforward title that represents the incredible diversity and art that comes from the region’s creators. To celebrate the music of Asia’s multiple cultures, from the Philippines to Pakistan, we’re amplifying a wide range of voices through two playlist takeovers.

“Growing up with one foot in the West and one in the East, Asian Americans have had to navigate the hyphens of their identity,” says Himanshu Suri, Spotify’s Senior Editor, Indian Culture. “This month, with playlists like Beast Meets West and No Borders, we get to celebrate our culture and see artists who speak for us and our experiences. Visibility is important!”

The first playlist, Beast Meets West, brings together East Asian creators of all genres, from K-Pop idols like BTS and BLACKPINK to indie singer-songwriters like Mitski. No Borders, meanwhile, highlights the South Asian diaspora across genres and geographies. The playlist features talented South Asian Americans, Brits, Canadians, and more.

“It’s through celebrating our culture, our heritage, and our identity that we’re able to encourage people who look like us to dream big and pursue whatever they want—especially in arts and entertainment,” says Korean American singer-songwriter Eric Nam.

Nam is just one of the artists we spoke to for Asian Heritage Month. We also asked several other East Asian and South Asian creators for a song—whether their own or another Asian artist’s—that represents both the culture and spirit of this month. Read on for some of their recommendations.

Far East Movement: “Our homegirl Tia Ray is one of the most incredible singers we’ve had a chance to work with. What’s beautiful … is that she’s singing in Mandarin and English—it’s really a cross between two cultures and represents what our future album is going to be.”

Yuna: “I chose my track ‘Forevermore’ because it’s very Malaysian, and very close to me. In the beginning of the song I start with an old Malay poetry melody that I used to listen to a lot growing up. Even the music video is a tribute to my hometown and my home country. Always be proud of who you are and where you come from.”

Epik High: “Growing up and living as Asians was a beautifully unique experience for us. But at the same time, we had to struggle through the pressures and expectations unique to our heritage. We hope our song ‘Eternal Sunshine’ can be a shoulder to rest on for those who feel the same way.”

Tiffany Young: “One of my favorite artists right now is Peggy Gou. I love how innovative and fresh she is and how effortlessly she blends all the cultures she grew up in, whether it’s through her lyrics, her choice of instruments, her production, or her amazing fashion taste.”

Jay Sean: “Fifteen years ago, I started writing songs that were fusions of bhangra, R&B, and hip-hop. Since then, I’ve always tried to blend different sounds from around the world. My new single, ‘With You,’ featuring Gucci Mane and Asian Doll, is probably the most unique R&B/trap/hip-hop fusion that I’ve ever done.”

Arjun: “My song ‘Closer to Home’ is all about being true to your roots and your culture. It’s in four languages: English, Hindi, Arabic, and Ghananian.”

Stream Beast Meets West and No Borders to celebrate Asian Heritage Month year-round.

5 Questions (And Answers) with Gautam Talwar, Managing Director, Spotify Southeast Asia

May 10, 2019

Southeast Asia is one of the fastest growing and most diverse music markets in the world. From the explosion of K-Pop to the rabid obsession with Taylor Swift in the Philippines, music lovers of Asia are creating and embracing a wide range of trends.

We sat down with Gautam Talwar, our Managing Director of Southeast Asia, in our Singapore office to learn more about the differences in music tastes and streaming habits throughout the region—as well as the opportunities that lie ahead.

Tell us about your professional background, particularly your work in entertainment, and how that prepared you for this role.

I grew up in India and have spent a lot of time both in the US and in Asia. Living and working in both the East and West has had a huge influence on how I look at Southeast Asia and its growing impact on the world. For example, while at Disney in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Los Angeles, I learned that the entertainment business is similar in many ways across the globe. Brilliant storytelling and great songwriting wins out, no matter where you’re from or what device you’re on.

What makes Southeast Asia a unique market, from both a business and consumer standpoint?

What makes Southeast Asia unique, apart from its diverse geography and cultures, is its size and streaming potential. It’s one of the most populous regions in the world, with over 600 million people—nearly 10% of the world’s population. Indonesia alone is the fourth most populated country in the world (just behind the United States). In a word, huge.

What’s also different is that the smartphone has become the first screen for many, but millions of people are limited by their devices, their data plans, and their network conditions. So helping them conveniently get their favourite content is a big focus.

The key to bringing Spotify to audiences across the region is our ability to hyper-localise the experience and ensure users can enjoy our app, regardless of the mobile device they own. Relevant payment options and regional telco partners are also critical.

How would you characterize users’ streaming habits in your region?

Southeast Asia’s smartphone audience is one of the largest globally, but music streaming is only just taking hold. With less than 20% of the region’s users streaming music, there’s a massive opportunity and potential for growth.

That said, it’s a nuanced situation, with music streaming at different stages across the region. In the Philippines, Singapore, and Hong Kong (where Spotify has been for some time), for instance, streaming is a way of life. In fact, Quezon City in the Philippines has the biggest concentration of Taylor Swift fans on Spotify out of any city in the world. And other countries are catching up fast—like Indonesia, where we launched three years ago, and Thailand and Vietnam, where we rolled out in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Across Southeast Asia, there’s a pattern with much of the growth starting off with young music fans in the major cities, then moving outside of the urban areas.

However, the bedrock of our popularity across Southeast Asia is our users’ ability to choose between free and paid options. Spotify was built on the belief that music should be available to everyone, everywhere, no matter who or where you are. It’s what the emergence of music piracy dictated, it’s what drove the industry to embrace radical change, and it’s Spotify’s recognition of this change and ability to turn it into a positive force for fans and artists that makes us unique.  

How is the music of Southeast Asia transcending boundaries and reaching people around the world?

Spotify makes music available to anyone, instantly – as a result, more and more Asian music is being discovered by our 217 million-plus users across the globe every day.  For example, our top Asian playlists continue to gain popularity, with K-Pop Daebak (close to 2 million followers) and our OPM (Original Pilipino Music) playlist Tatak Pinoy (more than 1 million followers), now go-to destinations for fans everywhere.

Additionally, the explosion of K-Pop on the world scene is one of the biggest genre breakouts of recent years, and undoubtedly the most influential Asian genre to hit the global mainstream. Just last month both BTS and BLACKPINK hit their highest-ever Spotify global chart positions. BTS was also the very first Asian artist to hit the 5 billion streaming mark.

The success of K-Pop has alerted millions of music fans outside of Asia to a new world of music. It’s a trend that will only continue to grow over time as artists realise that the opportunity to get their music heard outside their own country and significantly increase their reach has never been greater. And it’s not just K-Pop breaking Asian boundaries, either. We’re also seeing the rise of a variety of local and regional genres, from Thai rock to Indopop and OPM.

Can you give us a sense of what’s on the horizon and the opportunities ahead for your region?

The March announcement that Spotify will come pre-installed on Samsung devices was one of the more exciting developments in our region, given Samsung’s popularity here. Also, we’re continuing to improve our lyrics functionality on mobile across Asia, as our audience is intensely passionate about lyrics. At the same time, we’re looking at a wide variety of ways to improve the Spotify experience for users.  

Our flagship live entertainment tour, Spotify on Stage, which has seen us bring some of the biggest local and international artists to Asia, returns this year and will be bigger and better than ever. Stay tuned for more news on this in the coming months.

Stream K-Pop Daebak to get a taste of the genre’s global explosion. Also check out Gautam’s Tastebreakers playlist, which spans several genres, including classical, acoustic guitar, and electronic music.