Tag: UK

Spotify and Youth Music Open Doors for Future Artists

The music industry depends on fresh ideas, bold voices, and emerging talent. Yet across the U.K., too many young musicians lack the space to develop their craft, leaving a critical gap in the evolution of new sounds and future careers.

The need for creative spaces has never been more urgent. Between 2010 and 2023, more than 1,200 youth centers closed across the U.K.—an average of one every week. These losses hit underserved communities the hardest, stripping young artists of the safe, supportive environments they need to grow.

To help change this trajectory, Spotify is strengthening our commitment to youth well-being and creativity through the Open Doors Fund, part of our ongoing partnership with Youth Music. Backed by Spotify’s Creator Equity Fund, the initiative provides essential funding and opportunities to empower the next generation of creators—and ensure the spaces that shape them not only survive, but thrive.

Championing youth spaces across the U.K.

To amplify this effort and spark national conversation, Spotify and Youth Music have launched a multichannel campaign that brings the realities facing youth spaces into sharp focus through powerful storytelling and public engagement.

Our hero video captures a week inside a youth center, showcasing the creativity and community these spaces make possible. Acclaimed artist and advocate Kojey Radical dropped in to spend time with Girl Grind UK, a youth music space where young women are building confidence, community, and creative careers, to witness the impact of these spaces firsthand.

Across London, out-of-home placements amplify youth voices in public spaces, while a coordinated social media campaign encourages audiences to engage, share, and take action.

The campaign also lives on-platform through Open Doors, a bespoke playlist curated with Kojey. Featuring both established and emerging U.K. artists who began their journeys in grassroots spaces, the playlist celebrates the vital role these centers play in nurturing talent and calls for their continued protection.

Spotify London welcomes the next generation of creators

As part of our commitment to the Open Doors campaign, Spotify brought the mission to life within our own walls, hosting an inspiring Open Doors Day at our London office. The event welcomed young people from 15 youth centers supported by the Open Doors Fund, offering a space for connection and creativity.

The urgency behind this work is clear. Youth Music warns that within the next decade, young people across eight U.K. regions could lose access to vital music projects. Chronic underfunding—made worse by the cost-of-living crisis—has pushed many community spaces to the brink. Today, two in five (41%) grassroots youth music projects are at risk of closure, a sharp 17% rise since 2024.

“These spaces are the heart of local communities, giving young people a place to feel connected, inspired, and empowered,” said Matt Griffiths, CEO, Youth Music. “With Spotify’s support, we can give these vital spaces a lifeline, ensuring they continue to serve young people for years to come.”

Open Doors Day was designed to equip the next generation with real tools for success. Through hands-on workshops, behind-the-scenes industry insights, and conversations with the Spotify and Youth Music teams, attendees gained invaluable guidance on building creative careers. The day also featured special appearances by award-winning artist Guvna B and Grammy-nominated songwriter Carla Marie Williams MBE, who shared their journeys and inspired young creators to keep pushing forward.

Empowering generations to come

The Open Doors Fund is about more than just keeping the lights on. It’s about lifting up young people, fostering creativity, and providing pathways into the music industry. A staggering 54% of Youth Music’s funded partners have a waiting list of young people eager to participate, but a lack of funds prevents them from doing so. 

Spotify and Youth Music are committed to extending the Open Doors Fund into 2026, ensuring that even more youth spaces receive the funding they need to continue supporting young people. 

“The Open Doors Fund isn’t just about preserving spaces—it’s about powering what’s possible,” said Kristin Jarett, Social Impact Lead, Spotify. “When young people have the tools, the space, and the support, they create the future of music. We’re committed to making sure those doors stay open.”

The Spotify and Youth Music partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of investing in the next generation of artists. By providing essential resources and opportunities, the Open Doors Fund is helping to keep the beat alive by ensuring that young people from all backgrounds have the chance to pursue their musical dreams. Because the artists of tomorrow need a space to begin.

To learn more about the Open Doors Fund, or to get involved with Youth Music, visit here.

Spotify Toasts Oasis’s Return With Exclusive Ways for Fans to Get Closer to the Music That Defined a Generation

This is not a drill: Oasis is back on the road—marking its first live performances in more than 16 years. The band’s highly anticipated tour kicked off in Cardiff on July 4 and 5, where it roared through a greatest-hits-heavy set to a rapturous reception. Reflecting the excitement, following the first weekend shows, streams of Oasis surged by nearly 320% on Spotify globally.

To celebrate the long-awaited reunion and reignite the spirit of one of the most iconic British bands of all time, Spotify has rolled out a brand-new campaign and experience designed specifically for the fans who never stopped believing.

Forever for the fans, fueling anticipation

Spotify has launched a campaign to spotlight Oasis’s diverse, cross-generational fan base and capture the band’s enduring legacy. Anchored by a short film directed by George Muncey, the campaign also features compelling and intimate fan portraits shot by longtime Oasis collaborator and photographer Kevin Cummins. Showcasing unique individuals from across the community, the campaign delivers a rich multiformat experience—placing Spotify at the heart of one of the most iconic cultural moments of the decade.

Check out the video here:

And take a look at some of the pics, which are also featured across billboards in the U.K. and on Spotify’s social channels.

Spotify’s ‘Our Game, Our Sound’ Campaign Champions Community and Joy in Women’s Football

This summer, as the energy builds for one of the biggest moments in women’s football, we’re launching “Our Game, Our Sound,” a Europe-wide social impact campaign that spotlights the powerful connection between music, football, and community. The initiative is designed to foster belonging, joy, and mental well-being for Gen Z women, using Spotify’s cultural reach to create meaningful, connection-driven experiences.

The ultimate playlist

At the heart of “Our Game, Our Sound” is a new playlist co-curated by some of the most exciting names in European football. Global stars like Aggie Beever-Jones, Jess Park, Andrea Medina, and Laura Giuliani have selected the tracks that soundtrack their most important social moments. These are the songs that fill the locker room, the tour bus, and all the times at home and away that bring them together as a team. The playlist is an invitation for fans to find and celebrate their own communities this summer.

We’ve also partnered with Footballco and INDIVISA to cocreate and amplify content around the playlist. Through first-person narratives, short-form videos, and Instagram stories, the players will share authentic moments, connecting the dots between the music and their real-life experiences as fans and athletes.

Spotify Partners With The Reading Agency to Bring the Summer Reading Challenge to Life Through Audio

The Summer Reading Challenge has inspired children across the U.K. to embrace a love of reading for years now. But as technology evolves, so do the ways people engage with books, with audio playing a complementary role to sitting down with a good book. That’s why Spotify is thrilled to announce that we’re partnering with The Reading Agency to provide even more options for families and children to easily find and access books. 

Returning on July 5 with the theme “Story Garden,” the Summer Reading Challenge has been a cornerstone of literacy efforts since 1999, encouraging kids to visit their local libraries and dive into new worlds. And to make it a breeze to locate the audio components, we’ve created an official playlist of the Summer Reading Challenge titles that are available within Audiobooks in Premium.  

“Many in the Audiobooks team at Spotify grew up doing the Summer Reading Challenge, so it’s an initiative close to our hearts,” said Duncan Bruce, Director of Partnerships & Licensing, Spotify. “Audiobooks are a powerful way to help children discover the joy of books in ways that work for them—at bedtime, in the car, or curled up in the garden. We’re supporting the Summer Reading Challenge’s mission to help spark a lifelong love of books in every child, regardless of background, ability, or learning style. We hope all of these books, in all their formats, spark a love of reading that lasts well beyond summer.”

The Story Garden theme entices young readers to explore the great outdoors through magical tales of nature, imagination, and adventure, with enchanting illustrations from award-winning artist Dapo Adeola. As libraries transform into immersive gardens of discovery, we want to help make these stories accessible to every child, in every format.

The future of reading

Audiobooks offer a powerful way to bridge the reading gap, making stories enjoyable for everyone, including neurodiverse learners, the seeing impaired, and those who may struggle with traditional reading formats. According to the Reading Agency, just one in three children enjoy reading today (a 33% decrease since 2005), making initiatives like this more vital than ever. Last year, the Summer Reading Challenge reached 600,000 children and led to over 13 million book loans. We are proud to support its continued success and help even more children discover the magic of reading.

At Spotify, we know that listening to stories can build comprehension, expand vocabulary, and spark imagination. Audiobooks complement—but don’t replace—print reading. With our official Summer Reading Challenge playlist, families can easily find, stream, and enjoy these inspiring tales of nature and adventure, whether they’re at home on the sofa or exploring the great outdoors.

Dive into the Story Garden with the official Summer Reading Challenge playlist on Spotify. To explore the full Summer Reading Challenge booklist and learn how to sign up, visit summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.

Glastonbury 2025 Is Calling: Discover Your Next Favorite Artist With Our Personalized Experience

In just a few days, the pilgrimage to Worthy Farm begins. Glastonbury, the legendary green-field gathering of music lovers, is nearly upon us. Get ready for a weekend packed with epic performances, unforgettable moments, and—if you’ve prayed to the weather gods—no mud.

This year Spotify is back for a second time, bringing the power of personalization and discovery to your Glastonbury 2025 festivities. After a successful partnership last year, we’re leveling up the fun with even more ways to connect with the music and artists you love.

Discover the performers that vibe with your taste

With our personalized in-app experience on mobile, you can see exactly how well your music taste aligns with the Glastonbury lineup, find out which artists you’ve been listening to the most, and discover new favorites you’re bound to love with a playlist crafted just for you.

 

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And for those who’ll be on the ground in Glastonbury, we’re once again teaming up with Vodafone on the Official Glastonbury App. Just link your Spotify account within the app and we’ll whip up a curated lineup of recommendations based on your listening habits, highlighting artists you already love and introducing you to potential new obsessions. It’s like having your own personal music guru guiding you through the festival.

Dive into our revamped Glastonbury hub and official playlist

The Glastonbury 2025 hub on Spotify is your one-stop shop for all things Glastonbury. Browse individual stage lineups, discover hidden gems, and explore a handpicked selection of Glastonbury-related podcasts and audiobooks. It’s the perfect way to get hyped for the festival and keep the vibes going long after the last note has faded.

Your official personalized Glastonbury 2025 playlist, found in the Glastonbury hub, takes cues from your listening habits to offer a musical experience catered to you. 

“We’re delighted to once again partner with Glastonbury to bring Spotify’s hugely popular personalization and discovery tools to support the world’s greatest celebration of music,” said Marc Hazan, Vice President Global Marketing and Partnerships for Spotify. “We hope the sharecards, the Glastonbury hub on Spotify, and the personalized lineups via the app will help fans feel an even deeper connection to the artists they love before, during, and after their time at Worthy Farm.”

For the Record caught up with Spotify Senior Music Editor Shannon Carragher to get the inside scoop on the Glastonbury 2025 playlist, the in-app experience, and the performances she’s most excited for. 

What makes the perfect Glastonbury playlist?

Variety, familiarity, and curiosity. That’s what we set out to capture in the official Glastonbury 2025 playlist. The festival is packed with everything from underground DJs spinning at Stonebridge Bar and Shangri La, to brand-new artists playing smaller stages, to massive headline acts, so we wanted the playlist to reflect that same range.

The official Glastonbury 2025 playlist is also tailored to you. The sequencing of the songs selected by our editors are shaped around your listening habits, so the artists you already love will shine through, while also introducing you to others playing the festival who might just become new favorites.

How does the in-app integration with Spotify enhance the fan experience at the festival?

It’s all about making the experience better for fans. In the Glastonbury app, you can connect your Spotify account to get personalized lineup recommendations based on your listening habits. You’ll see your top 10 artists from the lineup, along with a broader selection when you tap Discover More, helping you uncover acts you’re likely to love.

Once you’ve found someone that interests you, you can head to their artist page in the app to check out their most popular tracks, with a direct link to listen on Spotify. It’s a seamless way to explore the lineup, discover new favorites, and get even more excited for the festival.

Who are you most excited to see perform at Glastonbury this year?

 

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If I had to pick a few, CMAT’s debut on the Pyramid Stage is right up there. It’s going to be a career-defining moment and, honestly, so much fun to watch. Then there’s Sunday: Turnstile into Wolf Alice into The Maccabees. That’s the dream. An explosive set of Baltimore hardcore finally hitting Worthy Farm, followed by a transcendent and ethereal performance from North London’s finest, and then the reunion I’ve been waiting almost a decade for from South London legends. I’ll probably be sobbing through all of it.

For all things Glastonbury 2025, check out this year’s hub and your very own personalized playlist.

Spotify Sparks UK Returns To Bring Together Advertisers and Creators

With more than 678 million users worldwide tuned in to Spotify, we’re at the heart of music and culture. Our unrivaled global community of artists, songwriters, podcasters, authors, and creators is an essential daily companion for fans, and we use this superpower to create impactful connections between artists, creators, listeners, and brands.

As Spotify Advertising’s flagship event series, Sparks is designed to educate advertisers and offer exclusive insights into Spotify’s unique capabilities. To date, we’ve hosted Spotify Sparks U.K. and Spotify Sparks Brazil, and we’re bringing these events to the U.S., France, and Japan in the coming months.

On May 1, Spotify executives, industry leaders, content creators, and advertisers returned to London for a series of live discussions, presentations, and interactive experiences that explored the full power of the Spotify ecosystem. During the event, Rosalind Jeffcoat, Spotify’s Global Head of Consumer Affairs, moderated a conversation with Marc Hazan, Spotify’s VP of Partnerships and Marketing, around how Spotify is creating the ultimate fan experience. 

Inside USHER’s Star-Studded ‘Black Box’ Event in London

USHER’s London takeover is in full swing. After kicking off his sold-out run of shows at the O2 Arena to rave reviews, the R&B icon joined forces with Spotify for a special evening at the legendary Soho venue The Box on Sunday.

The event marked the debut of “Black Box,” a variety show celebrating Black excellence in homage to the “Chitlin’ Circuit” revues of the 1950s and ’60s. 

The crowd was treated to a set list of some of USHER’s classic hits, including “Good Kisser,” “I Don’t Mind,” and “U Don’t Have to Call.” As a signature treat, the artist tossed stacks of “USH POUNDS” across the room, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night.

Spotify and Budweiser Rock Manchester With Live Music, a Tattoo Studio, Exclusive Merch, and More

Since Spotify launched AUX Live Experiences for U.S. advertisers earlier this year, brands like FanDuel and Samsung have tapped into our offering to build cultural relevance, connect with their audiences in real life, and cultivate fresh fandoms.

On Wednesday, we expanded our live-events offering to the U.K., with Budweiser as our first partner. Together, we hosted a special “Music Depot” experience at Manchester’s iconic Diecast venue, a former metalworks factory. The evening brought together more than 500 fans for an exclusive, high-energy celebration of live music and culture.

“Spotify is committed to deepening the connections between artists, brands, and fans. With AUX Live Experiences, we’ve seen that our branded live events are cultural moments that get people talking and deliver results for advertisers,” said Ed Couchman, Head of U.K. & Northern Europe Sales at Spotify. “We were excited to bring our AUX Live Experience with Budweiser to life in Manchester, offering local music fans an unforgettable experience.”

Hailing from Stockport, Greater Manchester, Blossoms headlined the event, bringing their signature indie rock to a hometown crowd. The band was supported by indie-pop duo Good Neighbours, and DJs Rowena Alice, Chaise, and Tinea Taylor spun sets throughout the evening.

Spotify Teams Up With UK Charity Youth Music To Support Grassroots Youth Spaces

Over the past decade in the U.K., financial constraints and shifting community resources have put many grassroots music spaces under increasing pressure. There is an urgent need to protect spaces that offer young creatives a platform to explore their talents, collaborate with peers, and pursue their artistic ambitions. That’s why Spotify is excited to partner with Youth Music, a leading U.K. charity committed to helping marginalized young people make and monetize music

Together, we’re creating a dedicated fund to support 15 grassroots youth spaces across the U.K. that are currently facing imminent closure or struggling to survive. This initiative will provide essential resources to sustain spaces where young people gather, create, and engage in music and other forms of artistic expression, especially in underserved communities. 

“We recognize the incredible role that grassroots spaces play in shaping the future of music and creativity, especially for young people who rely on these spaces to express themselves and develop their craft,” said Dina Gabriel, Spotify’s Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Impact. “By working with Youth Music, we can make a meaningful impact in safeguarding these spaces and the opportunities they create.”

The funding will support a wide range of initiatives across those community hubs, such as a band project for disabled young people, a youth-led studio in a remote coastal town, and a music project to promote inclusion for minoritized women and people of marginalized genders. 

“These spaces are the heart of local communities, giving young people a place to feel connected, inspired, and empowered,” said Matt Griffiths, CEO of Youth Music. “With Spotify’s support, we can give these vital spaces a lifeline, ensuring that they continue to serve young people for years to come.”

Earlier this year, Youth Music’s Sound of the Next Generation Report revealed that engaging with music is young people’s favorite thing to do and a vital part of their lives. This was in stark contrast, however, with the report’s findings that young people are getting less access to music education. Many grassroots youth spaces that provide out-of-school music and creativity are at high risk of closure.

The report revealed that two-thirds of youth music spaces are focused on short-term survival, with a quarter considering closure. The situation for young people is equally dire: 98% have reported increases in mental health issues, 69% are experiencing poverty, and 47% are going hungry. Demand for services is going up while costs, rent, and bills are rising. At the same time, donations and funding are decreasing.

“The grassroots music sector is the beating heart of our world-famous music industry,” said Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, U.K. “It is vital for emerging artists to hone their talents, as well as providing thousands of jobs and spaces for young people to explore their love of music. But for too long, the sector has been under increasing pressure, with many spaces at risk of closure.

“This partnership between Youth Music and Spotify is a welcome contribution. Along with our Supporting Grassroots Music Fund, we can collectively continue to do more to secure the future of these vital community assets and protect the talent pipeline.”

The partnership is part of Spotify’s larger Creator Equity Fund Program and is a continuation of Spotify’s commitment to supporting youth well-being and protecting youth spaces, following an earlier partnership with Mentivity, a youth mentoring organization based out of South London. 

That partnership saw Spotify provide funding to support the opening of Mentivity House, a new youth hub on the Aylesbury Estate in Peckham, in addition to the creation of The Centre, an award-winning short film that showcased the vital role youth spaces played in the early years of some of the U.K.’s leading music artists, including Youth Music alumni and Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective.

Author Tam Kaur and Spotify Come Together to Talk Self-Love, Authenticity, and Audiobooks

With Audiobooks, Spotify is committed to delivering immersive listening experiences that deepen the connection between authors and listeners. By reimagining audiobook listening, we want to introduce the format to an entirely new audience and turn them into fans. And while it’s still early days, the reaction from authors, publishers, and listeners has been remarkable.

We also understand the importance of supporting authors, and last night, we opened up our London office to host a fireside chat between Spotify Chief Public Affairs Officer Dustee Jenkins and the celebrated U.K. creator, podcaster, and author Tam Kaur.

A renowned self-love and development expert, Tam aims to empower young people through insights and advice on topics like self-worth, confidence, the art of solo dating, and overcoming heartbreak.

Building on the success of her podcast, Self Obsessed, Tam released her debut book this past August. Buy Yourself the Damn Flowers is a comprehensive, in-depth guide for all things self-love, helping listeners be their best selves by demystifying self-care and breaking it down into manageable everyday practices.

As guests arrived and settled in, they enjoyed the sounds of Irish Indonesian Malaysian DJ Tara Kumar, along with drinks and snacks courtesy of London’s Mam Sham, who created a special menu inspired by Tam’s new book. After a quick round of trivia to warm things up—it turns out Tam’s listeners are major Sabrina Carpenter fans—it was time for our featured guests to take the stage.

Spotify Pilots New Music Experience for Young Listeners on Family Plans

Spotify is committed to bringing the best listening experience to all our users, and that includes parents and families. That’s why we’ve introduced a pilot for a Premium music account for young listeners under the age of 13 (or local market equivalent). The managed account pilot will be available exclusively as part of our Premium Family plan in Denmark, New Zealand, and Sweden.  

As young listeners embark on a journey of music exploration with a managed account, through this new pilot they will get to enjoy many of the features and functionality that Spotify users know and love, including personalization features that make music discovery on Spotify so exciting and unique. 

For parents and guardians, managed accounts enable them to better tailor the content that is available to young listeners via in-app controls—like managing the playback of Canvas, videos, and content labeled as explicit. They will now also be able to decide whether a young listener can play certain artists or tracks with Spotify’s new control feature. 

The managed account is also welcome news for parents and guardians who do not want their recommendations getting mixed up with the latest tween tunes—each account under the plan will have separate recommendations, and a young listener’s musical favorites won’t feed into the plan manager’s annual Wrapped results.

Parents or guardians with a Family plan in Denmark, New Zealand, and Sweden can head to their account page in the app and select the option to “Add a listener aged under 13 [or local market equivalent],” then follow the instructions. 

For Premium Family plan subscribers who prefer an already curated, kid-friendly listening experience for younger listeners, the Spotify Kids app is also available in Denmark, New Zealand, Sweden, and 11 other markets. 

Both the managed account and Spotify Kids app offer an experience designed for listeners under the age of 13 (or local market equivalent), so it is important for parents or guardians to represent a young listener’s age accurately during account creation.

*Update as of July 16th, 2025: The pilot is also available to Premium Family subscribers in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia.

*Update as of March 13th, 2025: The pilot is also available to Premium Family subscribers in Italy, Spain and Portugal.

A New Spotify Documentary Spotlights UK Youth Centers

Youth spaces are crucial for the well-being of children and young people, as they instill a deep sense of belonging and ignite creativity. But in the U.K., these spaces have been in rapid decline due to decades of funding cuts, leaving young people with fewer places to be creative and engage with their communities in positive ways.

To underscore the importance of youth spaces in the U.K., Spotify has teamed up with the London-based youth mentoring organization Mentivity to release our new short film The Centre. Filmed and directed by Adeyemi Michael, The Centre showcases the transformative impact youth spaces can have on burgeoning local artists and U.K. music culture at large, which has birthed influential genres like grime and U.K. drill.

Featuring hip-hop duo Young T & Bugsey, rapper Ms Banks, drummer Femi Koleoso from the Mercury Prize-winning jazz quintet Ezra Collective, and MC and producer Novelist, The Centre chronicles the ways each artist’s youth club experiences helped inspire their creative journeys and the music they produce to this day.

Keeping youth spaces alive

While 750 youth spaces across the U.K. have closed since 2010, they still play a vital role in fostering the creative development of young people across the country. In fact, these spaces have helped shape the careers of some of today’s leading artists and musicians. Take Young T & Bugsey, who met at age 15 and spent the following years honing their craft at youth spaces in their hometown of Nottingham. To date, they’ve racked up more than 850 million streams on Spotify.

According to a recent survey commissioned by Spotify, 70% of young people in the U.K. feel that youth clubs help nurture creative talent, and 74% want to learn more about creative industries. More than three quarters (77%) believe youth spaces create a safe environment for young people.

In addition to highlighting the ways youth spaces have meaningfully impacted U.K artists, The Centre celebrates the opening of Mentivity House, a newly developed youth space in the southeast London neighborhood of Peckham.

“Mentivity House is an example of how we reclaim our block,” said Mentivity founder Sayce Holmes-Lewis. “Over a decade in the making, this is a full-circle moment for me. Growing up and working here for 25 years, I’ve seen regeneration change the area. We’re committed to strengthening our roots and creating a lasting legacy for our community, helping young people become the best versions of themselves.”

Our partnership with Mentivity follows our global partnership with UNICEF to help ensure that young people around the world can access trusted and engaging mental health audio content. We teamed up with UNICEF to create the Our Minds Matter hub on Spotify, where listeners can find music and talk playlists that support mental health and well-being.