Tag: Spotify Singles

Spotify’s Latest Fresh Finds Class Delivers a New Wave of Independent Artists

October 5, 2022

Since its debut in 2016, Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlist series has served as a launchpad for developing artists. Previously showcasing stars like Clairo, Omar Apollo, and Aminé—who now each attract millions of monthly listeners. In total, Fresh Finds has featured more than 40,000 independent artists, and in 2022, Fresh Finds–featured artists saw their total monthly streams grow by an average of 289%.

We continued our support of the latest developing artists we are excited about by evolving Fresh Finds into a marketing initiative in 2021, providing support, resources, and mentorship to help with these artists’ career development. Last year, we worked with eight artists—including EKKSTACY, Wallice, TOLEDO, and Doss—to help them reach 6.5 million new listeners and grow their followers by an average of 50%. Earlier this year, we built on our Fresh Finds momentum by working with the likes of Delaney Bailey, Jhariah, Carter Faith, and Alemeda. 

Now we’re excited to present our newest group of Fresh Finds artists who have been making waves and are ready to take the next step toward stardom: emlyn, Avenoir, Paty B, and Blondshell. 

As part of the program, each artist will release a Spotify Singles song on October 19 and will have access to the following to help them further their careers over the long run:

  • Education and resources: Each artist will have access to personalized master classes and mentorship, best practices and credits for Spotify for Artists tools like Marquee, and more. 
  • Marketing support: All four artists and their associated collaborators will be featured in a major marketing campaign on- and off-platform that includes social content, out of home, on-platform promotion, and press support.
  • Creative collaboration: In partnership with our Noteable songwriter and publishing team, a key piece of this initiative is to highlight the producers/songwriters that craft the brand new tracks alongside the featured artists.
    • emlyn has chosen to work with producer AlexV.
    • Avenoir has chosen to work with YmxBeats.
    • Paty B has chosen to work with Kuinvi.
    • Blondshell has chosen to work with producer Yves Rothman.

“We couldn’t be more excited to introduce the latest class of Fresh Finds artists and collaborators. This group represents some of the best new talent from an amazing community of indie creators, and their Spotify Singles illustrate the talent, diversity, and high caliber of music being created by the next generation of artists,” says Jesse Jacobsen, Spotify’s U.S. Indies Lead of Artist & Label Partnerships. “Since launching this marketing initiative in early 2021, we’ve watched previous Fresh Finds artists take their careers to the next level—touring the world and playing sold-out shows for their fans. Being a part of this discovery process is a huge honor for the entire Fresh Finds team.”

Curious what the latest Fresh Finds class is cooking up? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know.

emlyn 

This emerging alt-pop singer-songwriter has been featured on the cover of the SALT playlist three times and her music has been streamed globally more than 70 million times. Following the release of her debut album, her second album, loneliest b!tch in america, reached the Top 10 on Spotify’s U.K. charts. emlyn is currently preparing for her first headline tour across nine cities in North America. 

“Getting chosen as Spotify’s Fresh Finds pick this year is more than just a title to me,” emlyn told For the Record. “Only a little over a year ago, I made my first Fresh Finds playlist when I was just starting to release music, so being recognized now in this way is a true honor.” 

Speaking with emyln’s collaborator AlexV about the Fresh Finds experience, he was impressed with the level of support. 

“Being a part of the Fresh Finds program is an incredible opportunity. The Spotify team has been extremely supportive throughout the entire creative process and has provided a platform for independent creators to thrive.” 

Avenoir 

Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer Avenoir has been making noise in the underground R&B space, pulling inspiration from artists like Static Major, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Aaliyah. A blend of nostalgic drums from the early ’90s accompanied with neo-soul melodies and a sensuous tone help describe his ever-evolving sound. Coming off the success of his latest single, “Shameless,” the multi-instrumentalist is ready to make a name for himself in the world of R&B. 

“I’m trying to make timeless music that inspires people for generations,” Avenoir explained. “What started as me making music with my friends has turned into the opportunity to share it with the world. Spotify is changing the game for independent artists, and I am grateful to be a part of this program.”

When asked about what he and Avenoir have in store for their Spotify Single, producer YmxBeats struck a nostalgic chord. 

 “I want to bring back a sound that hasn’t been heard in a while and make it my own,” he said. “I am blessed to have Spotify showcase what I can do as a producer.”

Paty B

Born in Miami and raised in Lecheria, Venezuela, Paty B has been influenced by her Venezuelan-Dutch father, who was a jazz musician, producer, pianist, and arranger. With her family’s support, Paty B began singing at the age of four and performing at the age of 12—before also training to become a classical ballet dancer. Paty B burst onto the global musical scene in 2021 with her debut single, “Peo Que Resaca.” And earlier this year she released her debut album, GOTEO, which she describes as a “transparent expression of love, sexuality, and passion from the divine feminine perspective.” Soon after her album release, Paty B found herself the face of numerous official playlists, including Fresh Finds. 

“Being part of the Fresh Finds program means a lot for me,” Paty B said. “As an independent Latin artist, I feel so proud and honored to have the support and to be able to share my music with the world, representing not only my roots but a generation that is electric, diverse, free, and limitless.”

As for Paty B’s collaborator Kuinvi, the chance to push the sonic envelope excites her the most. 

“As an artist and producer my greatest joy is to create music that transcends in a true, relevant way,” she remarked. “This program is at the forefront of what’s next in music so being featured on it this year is truly an honor for me.” 

Blondshell 

Growing up in the middle of New York City in the early 2000s, Blondshell was inspired by legends such as Patti Smith, Joy Division, and The Velvet Underground. Now based in LA, the singer-songwriter describes her music as the “angriest, clearest, and most vulnerable” side of her personality. Although her tones are predominantly dark and brooding, there is a bright sense of hope that shines through tracks like “Olympus” and others with confessional lyricism and adventurous song structures. 

“Being chosen for Fresh Finds is such an amazing opportunity for indie artists, and hopefully it helps more people connect with my music,” said Blondshell. 

On working with Blondshell, producer Yves Rothman explained:  “For me the most exciting part of producing is working with new artists, helping them realize their vision, bringing all the ideas that have been keeping them up at night their whole life and finally getting that out and into the world.”

As with past programs, Spotify will document each artist’s journey, and we’ll be amplifying the process in a variety of ways, including with social video content. So keep an eye out to discover more about these four promising talents as they step into the spotlight.

Looking for more of the hottest songs from DIY and independent artists? Stream our Fresh Finds playlist below.

 

Lewis Capaldi Gives Fans Two New Spotify Singles Recorded at Abbey Road Studios

September 23, 2022

a photograph of lewis capaldi looking at the camera

It didn’t take long for Lewis Capaldi’s new single, “Forget Me,” to soar to the top of the U.K. chart. But the Scottish singer-songwriter isn’t using that success as an excuse to sit back and relax.

Fans will be delighted to learn that Lewis has more new music to share. This week, as a part of Spotify Singles, the artist visited the iconic Abbey Road Studios to perform two exclusive tracks for an intimate audience. For those not lucky enough to be in attendance, the songs were recorded and are available now on Spotify. 

The first track is a stripped-back version of “Forget Me,” and the second is the artist’s take on Olivia Rodrigo’s “drivers license,” a massive hit and the most-streamed song on Spotify last year.

This isn’t the first time Lewis has recorded a Spotify Single. In 2019, he recorded “when the party’s over” at Spotify Studios in New York City. 

Give his two new Spotify Singles a listen below:

Spotify Celebrates Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by Spotlighting Creators and Activists

May 5, 2022

Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month banner

Each May on our platform, Spotify has amplified and honored the cultures and traditions of the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This year, our campaign expands from an American observance to a global celebration and highlights the full Asian and Pacific Islander diaspora. We’re proud to now mark May as Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Spotify.  

To celebrate, we’ve refreshed our Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month content hub with new activist-created playlists and a spotlight on up-and-coming artists. With Asian and Pacific Islander artists representing every genre and in all stages of audio creation, this campaign continues our ongoing efforts to create awareness and expand the API community’s presence on Spotify. Read on to learn more about our plans. 

Turning the volume up on API voices

Our API content hub is a space dedicated to the API community that showcases the work of activists while also highlighting fresh new releases from creators across the audio landscape. This year’s hub is adorned with new cover art and features a variety of audio content, from Punjabi and K-Pop playlists to podcasts from API creators around the globe. It’s also home to a variety of specially curated playlist takeovers. 

 

Letting activists take the lead 

This year, we worked with prominent API activists Malavika Kannan, Amanda Nguyen, and ALOK to create a series of playlists, each with a special theme and message. 

Malavika’s playlist is a musical love letter to fearless immigrant daughters, strong diaspora children, the proud queer community, and multilingual Asian Pacific Islanders. Amanda’s playlist includes music that celebrates API culture year-round. And ALOK’s playlist is a curated collection of API musicians across a wide array of genres and geographies. 

Spotify Kicks Off International Women’s Day With Love Letters, Playlists From Gender Equity Advocacy Organizations, and New Music Created Exclusively by Women

March 8, 2022

Today, Spotify is celebrating International Women’s Day by sharing the music and stories of women creators, artists, activists, and nonprofits around the world. The music, lyrics, and voices coming from women in the industry and beyond are complex and vibrant—something we’re amplifying for our listeners this month through the creation of platform initiatives, release of new music created entirely by women, and off-platform support of nonprofits. 

New playlists and a refreshed EQUAL hub

Spotify is starting off International Women’s Day With Love, a podcast playlist series created in partnership with social impact agency Invisible Hand with production support by Pod People. With Love celebrates and honors 24 women who share “love letters” to their past selves or to a key supporter who changed their lives during a pivotal moment in time. There will be three playlists: one for Artists, one for Storytellers, and one for Changemakers. Artists like Fefe Dobson and Pyra, songwriters like Jennifer Decilveo and Kuinvi, creators like Munroe Bergdorf and Rintik Sedu, and activists like Dominique Morgan and Lauren Wasser all share their stories in the collection playlists. These personal anecdotes of wisdom, gratitude, and compassion spotlight the vast landscape of what it means to be a woman and the outsized impact that women have in the world.

Spotify is also highlighting five global nonprofits focused on gender equity by amplifying each nonprofit’s own curated playlist themed around the voices of the communities they serve. Organizations include:

In addition to spotlighting these organizations on the platform, Spotify will be giving donations to each of them to support their critical work.

The With Love and nonprofit playlists will all live on the EQUAL Global Hub, which continues to be a one-stop destination for listeners who want to discover music from emerging women artists. 

This month, the hub is getting a new look and feel and will be available in new markets, including those in the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan. It will also include an EQUAL Arabia playlist from MENA and EQUAL Pakistan. Both are the latest markets to join EQUAL.

EQUAL x Spotify Singles

In addition to these playlists, listeners can find brand-new music on the EQUAL Global Hub. EQUAL and Spotify Singles, two of Spotify’s innovative music programs, are uniting to bring listeners recordings from an incredible slate of emerging women artists.

EQUAL fosters equity for women in the music and audio space and has helped highlight the careers of women around the world. Spotify Singles, which launched in 2017, gives artists an opportunity to record new versions of their own songs, songs of artists they love, or an original song. Since its launch almost six years ago, tracks from the program have collectively hit over 5 billion streams.

For International Women’s Day, the two programs collaborated to produce three songs created exclusively by women—from the production to the recording to the engineering. 

Ethel Cain, whose music reflects on her upbringing as a backwoods churchgoer in the deep South and who is Spotify’s first-ever transgender EQUAL ambassador, took this moment to cover Britney Spears’s 2003 hit “Everytime.” Produced by Ethel and recorded in Los Angeles, the harmonica-backed cover of the iconic ballad with its haunting, acoustic guitar  puts her wide-ranging, layered vocals at the forefront. 

“I’ve always loved this song and immediately knew I could take Britney’s melodies and make something super dreamy with it,” shared Ethel. “I usually record alone at home, so working in the Spotify studio with all the synths and old vintage gear was a really special and fun experience. I think Britney wrote a very lovely song, and it was an honor to put my spin on it.”

Mexican composer, singer, songwriter, and producer Bruses took to the studio in Monterrey, Mexico, with producer Daniela Mendez to record her own unique spin on Spice Girls’ “Wannabe.” Known for her Latin-inspired indie-pop sound, Bruses brings girl power front and center in this single. 

“For me, the most important thing with this song as a fan was to respect the original essence. It’s one of those hits that last a lifetime; it’s a classic,” explained Bruses. “In this version we add a bit of rock and punk, especially in the chorus. I always imagined that part a little heavier, so we added some electric guitars, and it was from the little we recorded; the rest is sampled. It is very much directed towards electronic music or pop.”

South Korea’s SUNMI gives fans an all-new original track, titled “Oh Sorry Ya.” Created in collaboration with the Los Angeles-based songwriting duo, LYRE, the song kicks off with a swell of new-wave synths in a shadowy minor key before building to bubblegum pop perfection with a huge, infectious chorus that still has hints of darkness beneath. 

“It was a huge honor being part of Spotify’s EQUAL project, and I really hope that fans and listeners worldwide enjoy, get inspired, by this track,” said SUNMI. “Team LYRE and I have put a lot of thought into producing this multidimensional track together. It’s truly ‘created by women’ and hopefully loved by everyone.”

If you want to hear more from SUNMI, check out Spotify’s Mic Check episode, where the K-Pop artist shares more about her new single and opens up to us about the family tragedy that brought her to the music industry. 

EQUAL Collective brings off-platform support

Last year, Spotify launched the EQUAL Collective, bringing together a group of nonprofit organizations from around the world that are focused on furthering gender equity in music. These 14 organizations were given an opportunity to collaborate together on new ideas to help reach more women creators and further their work.

This year, for International Women’s Day, Spotify is excited to announce that we are awarding two teams, composed of four organizations, a grant of $50,000 in order to bring the following concepts to life:

  • Femme Africa and P_ssy Party are helping solve for representation of women creators in Africa by developing a curriculum and online directory to connect creators within the industry.
  • MEWEM (France) and MIM (Spain) partnered together to develop the MEWEM Golden Ticket, a concept that will award eight women entrepreneurs from across Europe free access to international professional festivals to pitch their own projects and new ideas, develop their businesses, and meet future partners within a high-level network.

Year-round, Spotify aims to celebrate the incredible impact that women have on the world. This month, we are excited to bring front and center for listeners new music and new playlists from women.

Celebrate International Women’s Day by listening to songs entirely written, produced, and performed by female songwriters on Spotify’s Created by Women playlist below.

Brazilian Hitmakers Play With Genre for Latin America’s First Spotify Singles Series

February 3, 2022

Summer is in full swing in Brazil, and now, so is Latin America’s first-ever Spotify Singles series. As Brazilians soak up the sun, buzzy artists Os Barões Da Pisadinha, LUDMILLA, Matheus & Kauan, and more are inviting listeners to stream seven new Spotify Singles songs exclusively on Spotify. From January 26 to February 16, fans will see new tracks debut on Spotify Brazil’s official summer playlist Vem, Verão!

The Spotify Singles program launched in 2016 as a creative outlet for artists as they revisit their songs, engage their fans, and connect with new listeners. More than 5 billion streams later, Spotify Singles continues to surprise audiences around the world. This special summer release is no different. It marks an innovative moment in the program as Spotify challenged Brazil’s artists to explore rhythms and genres outside their usual sound.

“This Singles series was created as a place to highlight and celebrate the summer through Carnival, all while catering to genre listening trends we have been identifying in the market. We brought the idea to our partners and found artists who were eager to be a part of it. The artists then took the idea into their own hands and created all these amazing representations of the rich culture Brazil has to offer,” said Carolina Alzuguir, Artists and Label Partnerships Lead for Spotify in Brazil.

The singles take inspiration from the most-listened-to genres in Brazil during the summer, including pisadinha, Brazilian funk (also referred to as funk carioca), and brega funk. Pisadinha is an offshoot of the popular Brazilian genre forró, a rhythmic music style that features the accordion and triangle. Inspired by Miami’s flourishing hip-hop scene, Rio de Janeiro’s Brazilian funk music pulls from a number of different genres to create a uniquely local sound made for dancing. And brega funk, which originated in Northern Brazil, is a branch of Brazilian funk known for its heavy bass and offbeat rhythms.

Follow along as beloved Brazilian artists embrace genre fluidity and try their hands at a fresh sound. Here are the songs making every day feel like a summer celebration, no matter where you listen:

Released in January

Releasing in February

  • Next, on February 7, Brazilian funk and pop queen LUDMILLA promises a surprise with her trap version of “Fora de Si.”
  • MC Hariel, who is known for his impact on the São Paulo funk scene, will push the boundaries this summer with a reggaeton version of “Pirâmide Social” on February 9.
  • PEDRO SAMPAIO has a sweet surprise in store for February 14. He teamed up with Anitta once again to reenvision the catchy hit “NO CHÃO NOVINHA” as a techno brega bop.
  • And Rebecca will close the summer Spotify Singles series by introducing a new brega funk version of the techno pop hit “Barbie” with the help of Mexican singer Dulce María, the Colombian rapper Farina, and Mc Danny on February 16.

Want more? Keep up with the latest releases and the soundtrack of the season on Vem, Verão!

Spotify Reimagines Holiday Classics With Nao, Ashnikko, Spoon, jxdn, El Alfa, and More Hitmakers From Around the Globe

November 17, 2021

As the weather cools in the northern hemisphere and the spike in seasonal music streaming begins, Spotify traversed the globe to work with artists Nao, Ashnikko, Spoon, jxdn, El Alfa, and more on a holiday haul. So while we didn’t go around the world in a single night, we are excited to share our fifth annual ever-growing Spotify Singles Holiday Collection.

We checked the track list twice and can confirm that this year’s releases feature 12 new reimagined holiday classics, including—for the first time ever—four tracks from international artists. Over the last five years, our Spotify Singles: Holiday Collection has helped connect families and friends across continents and time zones. So this year, for the first time, we tapped creators from Canada, the Nordics, Korea, and Latin America to create new renditions of timeless tunes. The multigenre, multilingual results hit all the right notes, giving each of us a chance to make new memories with a cherished song.

The Singles, which debut today, show off a range of artistic talents and sounds that are sure to bring a welcome dose of holiday cheer.

Meet the Latest Class of Independent Artists Taking Part in Spotify’s Fresh Finds Program

October 12, 2021

Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlist brand is often the very first level of Spotify playlisting for independent artists. With a main flagship playlist, nine genre lists, and 14 playlists from regions around the world, it has served as a launchpad for countless artists who have gone on to reach widespread success. Back in May, we took it to the next level, launching a brand-new marketing program for independent artists centered around Fresh Finds. Our focus was to help developing artists learn, collaborate, and grow, giving them tools for long-term, sustained career success. 

Since joining the inaugural Fresh Finds class in May 2021, the first four artist partners—Wallice, Unusual Demont, Julia Wolf, and EKKSTACY—have seen a 50% average increase in Spotify followers, a 65% average increase in monthly listeners, and over 6 million discoveries, or first-time listeners. Now, following in the footsteps of the inaugural group of Fresh Finds artists, we’re welcoming four new up-and-comers to the program: Doss, Araya, TOLEDO, and Pom Pom Squad.  

“We are thrilled to welcome this new group of independent artists and producers into the Fresh Finds family,” says Jeff Stempeck, Head of Indies, Artist, and Label Partnerships at Spotify. “The sustained growth we’ve seen from our first Fresh Finds class earlier this year is exactly what we hope to bolster in this program—giving artists the tools to build long-term careers both on and off Spotify.”

Doss, Araya, TOLEDO, and Pom Pom Squad will receive access to opportunities and resources that will allow them to grow their careers, fan bases, and reach. Some of these include: 

  • Education & access to resources: Each artist will have access to personalized Masterclasses and mentorship, best practices and credits for Spotify for Artists tools like Marquee, and more. 
  • Marketing support: All four artists will be featured in a major marketing campaign on- and off-platform that includes a social content series, Spotify Clips, out-of-home advertising, and more.
  • Creative Collaboration: Each artist will be given the opportunity to create a Spotify Singles original song and record it at Electric Lady Studios in New York City for release in November. What’s more, Spotify’s songwriter and publishing Noteable team has paired the four artists with collaborators who understand each of their unique visions:
    • TOLEDO will be paired with producer Gabe Wax. 
    • Pom Pom Squad will be paired with producer Sarah Tudzin (aka illuminati hotties).
    • Araya will be paired with producer Mindchatter.
    • Doss will be paired with songwriter/vocalist Cecilia Gault.

And while these artists are “fresh,” they’ve already been honing their skills for years. Get to know them below.

TOLEDO

The New York City-based duo and BFFs Jordan Dunn–Pilz and Daniel Álvarez de Toledo released their most recent EP, Jockeys of Love, earlier this year. It’s a lush dream-pop soundtrack for those long drives when the entire world seems to be in harmony with you, and your thoughts seem monumental because of it. The pair’s emotional clarity, boldness, and lyrical maturity span across all of their music, including a handful of singles and their 2019 EP, Hotstuff. “A lot of the advice we’ve gotten has come from watching videos and interviews from other producers and artists,” the duo shared. “One of our favorite videos to revisit is the ‘making of’ video for Feist’s album The Reminder. In that video, she records with Chilly Gonzales at La Frette in France, and there are shots of her tracking vocals through guitar amps, recording noise from the outdoors, and to this day we use almost all of the methods we saw in that video. The way they recorded and worked on the songs felt so impulsive, and we often find ourselves trying to capture that impulse. So, although Feist and Chilly Gonzales have no idea who we are, we thank them for giving us the best advice of our career.”

Araya

Araya strikes with precision and heart on his latest Y2K-produced single, “Archon,” and his forthcoming album, Ethos, which will come out in early 2022, less than a year after the Thai-Chilean songwriter’s breakout debut and critically acclaimed Atlas. “The best piece of music advice I’ve gotten was from Thaddeus, my producer,” said Araya. “He told me that as an artist, it’s important to remember to live life, to step outside of my work space and continue to seek inspiration.” As such, Araya grapples with purpose, identity, and spirituality through his music as he mixes vintage and futuristic sounds into a transfixing blend of R&B, soul, hip-hop, and electronic. 

Doss

Raised in Texas and based in New York, Doss first appeared in 2014 with her EP Doss, which evokes the playful maximalism of the early 2000s with equal parts sincerity and humor. Fast-forward to this year. It’s been a full seven years since she released her cult favorite self-titled debut. Following her tours with Porter Robinson and the late SOPHIE, she has returned with an impressionistic dance EP, 4 New Hit Songs, that mirrors a daydream of nights past—equal parts ennui and euphoria. “I come from a collaborative background,” she shared. “I am excited to reconnect with that structure and practice—explore new ideas and ways of working alongside someone I might otherwise not have had the opportunity to meet.”

Pom Pom Squad

Mia Berrin first played under the name Pom Pom Squad in 2015 after moving to New York, where she eventually linked up with Shelby Keller (drums), Mari Alé Figeman (bass), and Alex Mercuri (guitar). “My mom once told me, ‘Any space you want to take up, you’ll have to make yourself,’” Mia told For the Record. “When I first moved to New York, I tried to assimilate into certain social scenes or cliques and always ended up feeling like I was compromising my own wants, needs, or interests to fit in. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned in my career so far is that I have to forge my own path. It sounds cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason!” So with their 2021 album, Death of a Cheerleader, Pom Pom Squad offers a cathartic, punk, and decidedly queer take on picking up the pieces—from heartbreak, from injustice—and creating oneself anew.

 

Catch all four Fresh Finds artists on the titular Spotify playlist below.

Spotify’s Latest Digital Experience and Singles Are a Celebration of ’90s Country Music Nostalgia

September 21, 2021

Nineties country music gave us power anthems like “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” and seven hit-filled albums from the legendary Reba McEntire, and it made stars out of the young duo Brooks & Dunn. As listeners return to these classic songs, albums, and moments in droves, Spotify has decided to honor them with an interactive microsite, Spotify Singles, video content, and more.

These days, the timeless songs and stories behind ’90s country music have found a new generation of ears: Gen Z.

To celebrate this resurgence, today we launched a campaign highlighting the staying power of our country catalog while also promoting the next generation of emerging country stars who are inspired by those that came before them.

Head to our 90s Country Digital Experience to reconnect with your old country favorites and discover the classic songs that shaped the genre’s sounds of today. Enter into an interactive experience by answering ’90s-inspired questions like “Who’s riding shotgun?” and “How big is your hair?” Then select an iconic artist (perhaps Shania Twain or Alan Jackson) as your copilot and choose your hairstyle, whether that’s a mullet or a head full of curls. Once you’re done, the site will analyze your responses and generate your top ’90s country albums as well as a personalized playlist.

RADAR Artist Nathy Peluso Shares Her Approach to Bending and Blending Genres

July 7, 2021

Artist Nathy Peluso isn’t afraid to push a genre’s limits—or her own. The Barcelona-based singer, writer, and producer spent the first 10 years of her life in Argentina before moving to Spain. Now, she’s creating genre-blending songs inspired by music from all over the world.

The 26-year-old’s ability to jump between sounds, languages, accents, and even characters has gained the emerging artist global recognition and the title of Spotify U.S. RADAR artist. Through RADAR, Spotify’s global emerging-artist program, Nathy will be featured on the RADAR playlist, have the opportunity to record music for our Spotify Singles program, and star in a biographical mini-documentary, in addition to a full suite of on- and off-platform marketing, promotional, and editorial support.

Nathy’s sound ranges from lyrical hip-hop to pop-inspired anthems, and she has been celebrated for her debut album Calambre, as well as for songs like Latin Grammy-nominated “Corashe” and fan favorite “Business Woman.” She also made waves with her noteworthy collaboration “GATO MALO” on KAROL G’s recent album KG0516. The singer has become known for her versatility and knack for creating thought-provoking characters within her performances.

“Nathy Peluso’s creative output is bold, empowering, and eclectic,” shares Monica Herrera Damashek, Spotify’s Head of U.S. Latin Artist & Label Partnerships, North America. “Her music is uniquely modern and classic, mixing everything from Latin hip-hop and soul to tango and salsa, and her visual aesthetic and live performances are undeniable. She’s already developed a passionate fan base across Spain and Latin America that can’t wait to hear what’s next from Nathy, and we’re thrilled to support her continued growth internationally and in the U.S.”

Her nearly 4.7 million monthly listeners are eagerly awaiting her new single, “Mafiosa,” which debuts today. For the Record caught up with the performer to learn more about the single, her creative process, and her inspiration.

You’re known for creating bold, genre-bending music. How would you describe your sound to new listeners?

I like to push the limits when writing or composing. I don’t like to limit my music to one genre. I mix things that don’t typically go together but still sound fresh and different. I have lots of inspirations—salsa, hip-hop, R&B, rock and roll, Brazilian sounds, world music—and they all seduce me enormously. I learn so much when listening to music; I’m like a sponge that soaks all these different sounds up. Then I try to make new songs from all my inspirations.

I also enjoy fusing the organic sounds of musical instruments with more synthetic sounds. And I love working with my band and great musicians. For me, making music is about pushing myself and trying to constantly evolve. 

What are you looking forward to as Spotify’s latest RADAR U.S. artist?

I hope being a RADAR U.S. artist allows new audiences to discover my music and inspires more people in different countries and cultures to listen to my songs.

What should listeners expect from your new single, “Mafiosa”?

“Mafiosa” is a song that tells the story of a situation many women go through. It’s a message of female empowerment. When I wrote it, I tried to transmit internal power and security. I feel strong when I sing and dance to “Mafiosa.”

It’s also an homage to salsa, a genre that I love with all my heart. I hope people feel connected to salsa rhythms when they listen to this song and enjoy it as much as I do.

How does channeling a character in your music and music videos help you express yourself? Do you have a favorite character or persona you’ve created for a song?

Each song I compose has a personality that moves me. I inhabit different characters through the sound, the movement, the aesthetics, the gestures . . . I build an imaginary world around each song where a character belongs. I studied dance and musical theater, and both disciplines are a key part of my artistic process. Building those characters and impersonations is a lot of fun for me, and I believe it strengthens my music and makes it different. 

I’ve enjoyed my many characters. I try to make them strong, since each of them is a statement in a way. I’m now enjoying the Mafiosa Nathy a lot. She’s risky, sexy, and fun. She empowers me!

This past year presented many unprecedented challenges. How has it changed the way you approach your music? Did it bring about new types of inspiration?

All distractions disappeared during lockdown, so I was able to focus on my music a lot. I finished my album in the middle of the pandemic! I must confess that having so much time at home alone made me a little obsessed and become a perfectionist with the details. But it was good to nail the album I was dreaming of. Overall, it was a different but good experience for me—I was really connected with my music, my inspirations, and myself. It made me see things from a different perspective.

What are some Spotify tools you’re using to connect with fans? 

Spotify is the platform I use the most to discover new music and to share my music. I’m constantly researching, making playlists, sharing songs, and analyzing my insights to understand my audiences better. 

What advice do you have for fellow emerging artists?

I would say: Stay true to the music you feel and that you like. Give yourself freedom to create, and work very hard. Don’t get overwhelmed or overshadowed by what the market wants, what is commercial or trendy in a specific moment, or what works for the algorithms. Push the limits, try new things, take risks, and enjoy the ride!

Check out the latest music from Nathy and start streaming her new single, “Mafiosa,” below.

DJ Snake and Dhee Light Up the World With the First Spotify Single From India

July 1, 2021

Spotify Singles recently hit a milestone of 5 billion streams. In just four and a half years, the program has boasted more than 630 recordings from more than 300 artists across all genres and in countries around the world. Artists such as Tove Lo, John Legend, LeAnn Rimes, Zara Larsson, Sting, Ed Sheeran, Lauv, and Norah Jones have taken advantage of the opportunity to record a version of their own song or to cover a favorite hit—and in the process, they’ve created something new and special while also opening up the discoverability of the song to more listeners in newer markets. 

Now there’s a new set of artists getting in on the mix and opening doors to the Spotify Singles program in its newest market: India. On World Music Day, June 21, Spotify launched “Enjoy Enjaami – Spotify Singles,” a collaboration between India-based Tamil artist Dhee and popular French record producer and icon DJ Snake. 

Dhee’s original track “Enjoy Enjaami” is a Tamil-language song featuring Arivu, who also wrote the lyrics, and was produced by Santhosh Narayanan. The track went viral with more than 15 million streams on Spotify, marking a milestone for a regional artist’s debut single. The track was not only streamed heavily in the Tamil-speaking city of Chennai, but also across other cities in India, and global cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Toronto, and London. By bringing Dhee together with DJ Snake, who has a huge following in India, the new Spotify Singles track is a way for both artists to reach an even wider audience in India, France, and beyond.

“I love that people across the world are vibing to this version of ‘Enjoy Enjaami,’” DJ Snake told For the Record. “The first time I heard the song, I knew I wanted to work on it. Once the opportunity did arise, it took me all of two hours to re-create it for a global audience. Even though many listeners may not understand the lyrics, it only further confirms that music is borderless. The fact that streams are coming from across the world makes me so happy.”

In its first 10 days on platform, the single amassed more than 1.4 million streams in India and France, but also in markets like Germany, Mexico, Japan, and Brazil, among others. It has featured in over 60 Spotify editorial playlists, including 30 New Music Friday playlists and more than 10,000 user playlists across the world. The artists and the track also featured on Spotify’s Times Square billboard in New York during the release week.

Echoing DJ Snake’s sentiments, Dhee said, “I am so grateful and mindblown just thinking about how many people across the world are listening to this song. This song means a lot to us and it’s also my debut single. After all the beautiful feedback we’ve gotten from India, I am overwhelmed with the response from listeners all over the world—it’s so heartwarming. Spotify’s global reach has opened up opportunities for artists like me to put music out and truly bring people together.”

This single is not the first border- and genre-crossing collaboration of its kind. Recently, Korea RADAR artist AleXa partnered with MENA RADAR artist Bader for the program’s newest single. Initiatives like these two allow rich music cultures to cross-pollinate and reach new listeners in 170+ markets around the world. 

From India’s emerging independent artists to larger established ones, Spotify has supported the local music ecosystem not just within the market, but around the world. This is just the first of hopefully many Spotify Singles from India—something that will help us accelerate the discovery of more genres of local music. 

Want to feast your eyes on the visuals of Enjoy Enjaami combined with DJ Snake’s international music vibe? Check it out here.

‘Spotify: For the Record’ Takes a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Success of Spotify Singles

June 3, 2021

In May, For the Record shared that Spotify Singles collectively hit over 5 billion streams. The premise of the program is simple: We bring an artist into the studio to record a reimagined version of one of their own songs as well as a cover song—an homage to the two-sided 45 record. Spotify Singles has amassed a playlist of more than 650 songs across dozens of genres that features the biggest stars and emerging artists.

To celebrate this monumental milestone, the Spotify: For the Record podcast is taking listeners inside the rooms where those recordings were made for an intimate look at the creative process. In the episode, artists and Spotify employees closely involved with the program share some of the stories behind these successful tracks.

  • Ed Sheeran, English singer-songwriter and the most-followed artist on Spotify, explains the full-circle moment that occurred when cellist Yo-Yo Ma covered his hit song “Shape of You” for Spotify Singles.
  • Jon Batiste, an Oscar-winning American jazz musician, shares his experience recording 2pac‘s “Changes” on the piano.
  • Nina Nesbitt, a Scottish pop singer-songwriter who has participated in two Spotify Singles sessions, explains what it was like to record in legendary spots like London’s Metropolis Studio.  
  • William Garrett, an experienced audio engineer and the Senior Producer for Spotify Singles, shares what it’s like for an artist to reimagine a fresh new take on one of their own classics. He also shares some fun stories about recording with artists like Elton John, Alanis Morissette, and Wilco.
  • Michele Santucci, Recorded Music Lead at Spotify, talks about how the covers allow for a crossover between genres and open up new audiences for the Spotify Singles artists. She also gives a sneak peek of who’s up next for future Spotify Singles recordings. 

Hear these tales and more on “Spotify Singles: The Path to 5 Billion Streams.”