Tag: spotify house

At SXSW Sydney, RADAR, EQUAL, and K-Music Take Over Spotify House

October 26, 2023

Blusher performs during the RADAR Artist Showcase & Party at Spotify House during SXSW Sydney on October 19, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images for Spotify)

For the first time in its history, Austin’s iconic South By Southwest (SXSW) festival expanded beyond its Texas watering hole and traveled all the way to Australia for SXSW Sydney. Fashioned as the Asia-Pacific extension of the original event, SXSW Sydney took place over eight days and included a series of creative sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and more. And you can bet Spotify was along for the ride.

We took over Sydney’s Lansdowne Hotel and transformed it into Spotify House across four days. During the day, it was the place to be for panels, networking sessions, and fireside chats. At night, Spotify House became a live-music venue with performances by a stellar line-up of artists from across the Asia-Pacific region. Spotify House was an opportunity to highlight some of our artist-first programs, like RADAR and EQUAL, as well as feature popular genres like K-hip-hop.

On our RADAR

We introduced our latest group of up-and-coming artists during a special RADAR showcase: Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Vv Pete, and Blusher. 

“We are so grateful to be Spotify Australia’s new RADAR artist! We cannot believe the amazing support that we have received so far,” exclaimed the band members of Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers. “We have absolutely loved seeing new people all over the world listening to us little Teeny Jeanies and we really can’t thank Spotify enough!”

RADAR is our global emerging artist program that supports rising artists, and that includes RADAR Australia and New Zealand, both of which we launched in 2020. Since then, we’ve played a significant role in helping regional artists like PANIA, merci, mercy, CHAII, Genesis Owusu, Youngn Lipz, Baker Boy, grentperez, Larissa Lambert, and Royel Otis cross over into international markets.

The response from a sold-out crowd deeply moved the artists. “We started making music in our bedrooms, and support from Spotify has made it possible to play our music to audiences all over the world,” shared Blusher. “Seeing new listeners connect with our project, being able to share not just our songs but our creative vision through visuals and playlists of the music that inspires us, makes us so excited to bring people into the Blusher world that we’re creating.”

It wasn’t just high-energy performances that amplified RADAR. Hannah Beeching, Spotify’s Lead for Global Music Program RADAR, spoke to industry veterans Andrew Klippel, Artist & Label Manager for Ourness Label, and Mardi Caught, founder of The Annex, a music marketing company, as part of the “RADAR Across Borders” session. “RADAR artists have been added to over 5,000 Spotify playlists since the program launched in 2020, and more than half of these artists have gone on to be added to more playlists in over 10 markets around the world,” Hannah remarked during the talk. 

Spotify House Rocks Country Music’s Biggest Weekend at Nashville’s CMA Fest

June 13, 2023

Reba McEntire performs onstage at Spotify House during CMA Fest 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Last weekend, Spotify two-stepped its way back to Nashville’s legendary Broadway thoroughfare for the annual CMA Fest. The event, hosted by the Country Music Association, is one of the biggest live-music weekends. It first began as Fan Fair in 1972, and quickly grew to a multi-day festival that rebranded as CMA Fest in 2004. This year, CMA Fest celebrated its 50th anniversary. Over the span of four days, we invited artists and fans to take in the sights and sounds at our Spotify House multi-stage experience.

For the fourth year, Spotify House took over Ole Red, country music star Blake Shelton’s restaurant, bar, and concert venue, to host a four-day experience featuring over 70 artist performances. The star-studded lineup, which included chart-toppers Sam Hunt, Dierks Bentley, Lady A, and Hailey Whitters, made the venue a revolving door of wide-ranging country sounds and blazing-hot talent. Country music legend Reba McEntire made her return to Nashville’s Lower Broadway at Spotify House for the first time in 10 years for the CMA Fest 50th Spotlight Performance, which also featured Billy Currington, Kimberly Perry, and Craig Morgan. Surprise performers from Spotify House included Kelsea Ballerini and Megan Moroney. 

On the fourth floor, attendees enjoyed the Fresh Finds Rooftop, which was presented in collaboration with The Sims. Spotify is teaming up with The Sims over a shared mission to unlock creative potential and support expression in rising creatives. The Fresh Finds stage was back for its second year and gave fans, press, and industry insiders the chance to discover country music’s next wave of independent stars including Wyatt Flores, Payton Smith, Haley Mae Campbell, and Shaylen.    

Throughout CMA Fest, Spotify Mic Check host Lea Palmieri was onsite chatting with many of the country music artists who performed at Spotify House. 

“​​I’ve been here [in Nashville] ten years now. I think the first thing that shocked me about Broadway is how many amazing artists and singers there are, and how accessible music is walking up and down Broadway any given weekend—it doesn’t seem like you could top it. And then CMA Fest rolls through town and you’re like, ‘Wow, what just happened?’ You accidentally stumble into any room down Broadway and you’re going to find somebody amazing.” — Brett Young, on the Broadway atmosphere.

“I mean, that’s the thing with songwriting: it’s all the production. It’s all in how you perform it. So really, I feel like my music has always been very organic and acoustic, not really that pop, even though I’ve been labeled as the pop genre. I feel like being in the country [genre], has a very nice blend and flow and it’s natural for me.” — Colbie Caillat, on her sound and transition to country music.

“We were very intentional about getting the right song and the follow-up to that and just kind of allowing the process to shape itself really, and allowing the songs to show themselves. And so, yeah, it’s been awesome. I really enjoy performing that song. You have to plan your breaths on that song because it’s like spitfire—it’s nonstop.” — Brian Kelley, on his new music and the release of the single “See You Next Summer.”

Get the full scoop on the happenings of Spotify House by tuning into the full episode.

Want more from the weekend? Turn up Spotify’s Hot Country playlist, which also boasts the best, brightest, and on-the-rise country music talent, and check out a photo gallery of the four guitar-strumming, ballad-belting days.

Celebramos a Medellín con Casa Spotify Medallo, un lugar de encuentro para artistas y creadores emergentes

September 7, 2022

Casa Spotify Medallo

Medellín ha sido uno de los polos gravitatorios de la música latina y pilar de la industria músical en la región por más de un siglo. Esta ciudad es la casa de grandes artistas de la música popular colombiana como Lucho Bermúdez y la orquesta de salsa de Fruko y sus Tesos. Famosamente, la ciudad es la cuna del boom del reggaetón colombiano con estrellas como Maluma, J Balvin, Karol G y Sebastián Yatra, que han puesto a Medellín en el mapa como una capital de la música latina urbana.

Ahora, para celebrar la tradición musical de la ciudad, Spotify presenta Casa Spotify Medallo, un lugar para compartir espacios de educación, colaboración e inspiración, dedicado a los artistas urbanos, productores, compositores y creadores de podcasts.

Casa Spotify Medallo estará en la ciudad del 11 de octubre al 3 de noviembre, y será una residencia y estudio de grabación abierto a creadores de audio emergentes. En ella podrán encontrar una programación diaria que incluye talleres, clases magistrales, paneles y showrooms con productores y personalidades reconocidas, pensados en impulsar y potenciar sus capacidades creativas.

Las puertas de la casa, ubicada en un lugar histórico en el corazón de la ciudad, estarán abiertas para la nueva ola urbana paisa y creadores locales para seguir elevando el talento de la ciudad que le ha dado tanto a la industria musical global

“Celebramos a Colombia por su riqueza cultural y musical que es reconocida a nivel mundial gracias a sus artistas, productores y compositores.”, dice Mia Nygren, directora general para Latinoamérica. “Llegamos a Medellín para escuchar a artistas emergentes y creadores de audio con la meta generar oportunidades de colaboración y de impulsar al talento local para alcanzar nuevas audiencias a través de nuestra plataforma”, “Queremos demostrarle al talento emergente que Spotify es su mejor aliado para lograr que más oyentes descubran su arte”  

Situada en un valle que cautiva con sus imponentes montañas, Medellín también ha sido la cuna de legendarios sellos como Discos Fuentes, Codiscos y Sonolux, así como la ciudad que adoptó como propios los tangos de Carlos Gardel. 

Desde la década de los ochenta, en Medellín se han gestado diversas escenas con un sabor único en géneros como el rock con Ekhymosis que le dió luego vida a la carrera solista de Juanes, el metal con bandas como Kraken, el punk con I.R.A, y más recientemente el Hip-hop con bandas legendarias como AlcolirykoZ.  

En los últimos años, el boom del reggaetón abrió las puertas a la nueva ola de héroes locales representados por Feid, Ryan Castro y talentos que han formado parte del programa de artistas emergentes de Spotify RADAR Andinos como Ovy on The Drums y Blessd, así como Farina, embajadora del programa EQUAL Colombia. 

Con Casa Spotify Medallo, buscamos reconocer los sonidos originales y las historias de los nuevos creadores de la ciudad que han demostrado que sus sonidos rompen barreras, demostrando nuestro compromiso de conectar, educar e inspirar a las nuevas generaciones de creadores, productores, compositores y podcasteros. Por eso los creadores interesados en formar parte de esta convocatoria podrán inscribirse del 7 al 13 de septiembre registrándose aquí, y postulando una de sus composiciones favoritas que esté alojada en la plataforma.

Queremos que disfrutes con nosotros la Casa Spotify Medallo.

Conoce la programación de todas las sesiones educativas en Casa Spotify Medallo aquí, donde puedes inscribirte a los eventos que te interesen.

Descubre los sonidos urbanos de Medellín en la playlist Fino.

Four Days of Country Music at Spotify House During CMA Fest 2022

June 15, 2022

This past weekend, CMA Fest returned to Nashville for the first time since 2019 to celebrate all things country music. Top country stars and emerging artists alike came together at Spotify House to perform and enjoy time in an intimate setting with their fans. Spotify House was located in the unmatched Blake Shelton and Opry Entertainment Group’s Ole Red. With four days of performances across two stages, there was something for everyone in the crowd.

Spotify partnered with Meta throughout the event to bring an exclusive Instagram Reels experience to Spotify House, capturing content with director The Tommy B for artists’ Instagram and Facebook. Adding to the experience for fans were QR codes from Digital Seat Media, which helped attendees receive real-time event updates. 

Also on the ground was our team behind Spotify: Mic Check, which had the opportunity to speak to several returning CMA Fest performers and newcomers alike. The episode featured R&B-inspired country artist Tiera Kennedy, whose song “Found It In You” recently hit 20 million streams after being featured on Spotify’s Hot Country playlist. 

“I remember when I first moved to Nashville, wanting so badly to be on all those playlists. To see my music on all those playlists is really cool and it feels really special.”

Meghan Patrick, who performed at CMA Fest again this year, was also thrilled to be back onstage. “I’ve always looked at CMA Fest as a huge milestone and a huge opportunity to be part of. Every year it feels like I get a few more opportunities to play and show my music and play some different stages. Every year it’s always super exciting and a great opportunity to have some great exposure to a lot of fans in a short amount of time.” 

Check out the episode, which also features Erin Kinsey and Brett Eldredge, below.

Read on for a little more from each day of CMA Fest.

Day 1: Darius Rucker, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Ashley McBryde, and more

Spotify House got off to an incredible start with Darius Rucker, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Chase Wright, Brantley Gilbert, Ashley McBryde, Dustin Lynch, Dalton Dover, Nate Smith, Ashley Cooke, Kameron Marlowe, Meghan Patrick, and Nikki Lane taking the stage for day one. 

Superstar Darius Rucker kicked off with a high-energy opening set, performing chart-toppers “Alright” and “This” as well as his iconic Hootie & The Blowfish track “Only Wanna Be With You” and fan favorite “Wagon Wheel.”

Hannah Ellis, Dalton Dover, and Nate Smith soon hit the stage for performances of their own tracks as well as famous covers from fellow country artists. They were followed by a full-circle moment for rising country star Chase Wright, who made his Spotify House debut just a few years after he found himself waiting in line to get into the CMA Fest hot spot. 

Fans were treated to a surprise performance from Jimmie Allen when he joined Ashley Cooke onstage for their song “Good Goodbye” and a duet of his song “Freedom Was a Highway.” Kameron Marlowe dazzled the crowd, as did Meghan Patrick, who serenaded fans with “Heart On My Glass,” accompanying herself on the harmonica. As the sun went down, Brett Eldredge performed two tracks from his upcoming album Songs About You, including the album’s title track and latest single, “I Feel Fine.” This year, we also hosted our Fresh Finds Rooftop for the first time. The rooftop stage featured emerging artists Abby Anderson, Chris Ruediger, Taylor Edwards, Maggie Baugh, Tanner Adell, and Jordan Rowe.

Spotify House and Hot Country Return to Nashville for This Year’s CMA Fest

May 26, 2022

After a two-year hiatus, CMA Fest is back along with our marquee country-music showcase, Spotify House. Starting June 9, Spotify’s Nashville team and our flagship Hot Country playlist will take over downtown Nashville’s Ole Red for four days of nonstop country music. 

The long weekend will feature a daily lineup of diverse emerging artists and world-renowned stars, plus access to exclusive late-night jam sessions and surprise special performances for fans.

“So much has happened in Nashville since the last CMA Fest, and this includes the rise of some incredible talent and trends within country music. When we were building the lineup for our Spotify House at Ole Red this year, we knew we wanted to curate a group of artists that reflect the trends of our listeners,” said Mary Catherine Kinney, Lead, Strategic Music Partnerships at Spotify. “The genre is growing, and fans will be able to experience the full scope of the genre under our roof. Between our initial lineup announcement today and a few of the surprise guests we have to come, this is truly a set list built by the listeners, and we can’t wait to experience it all in person.”

The full mainstage lineup includes: 

Adam Doleac, Ashland Craft, Ashley Cooke, Ashley McBryde, Bailey Zimmerman, Brantley Gilbert, BRELAND, Brett Eldredge, Callista Clark, Carter Faith, Chase Wright, Cole Swindell, Conner Smith, Corey Kent, Danielle Bradbery, Dalton Dover, Darius Rucker, Dylan Scott, Georgia Webster, Hailey Whitters, Hannah Ellis, Ingrid Andress, Jelly Roll, Jordan Davis, Kameron Marlowe, Kidd G, Lainey Wilson, Lily Rose, Meghan Patrick, MacKenzie Porter, Madeline Edwards, Mickey Guyton, Midland, Mitchell Tenpenny, Nate Smith, Nelly, Nikki Lane, Niko Moon, Restless Road, Riley Green, Russell Dickerson, Ryan Hurd, Spencer Crandall, Steven Lee Olsen, Tiera Kennedy, Tyler Hubbard

We’re also introducing the Fresh Finds stage for the first time this year. As part of Spotify’s commitment to supporting rising talent and music discovery, fans will be able to see new acts from our Fresh Finds Country playlist perform live throughout the weekend. Stay tuned for the lineup reveal coming next week! 

You can also tune in to our Spotify House at CMA Fest 2022 playlist to listen to all your favorite country stars performing at Ole Red—and make it the soundtrack to your summer.

Discover new artists and get reacquainted with your country favorites by listening to the Hot Country playlist: