Spotify will host the first Fresh Finds Summit in Los Angeles on November 4 and 5, bringing hundreds of artists from the inaugural class of its Fresh Finds Forward program together for masterclasses, live feedback and conversations with artists, songwriters and executives.
Independent artists often have to work out on their own how to book a tour, read a contract, make a strong music video or know when they are ready for a manager. Launched in September, Fresh Finds Forward gives approximately 10,000 emerging independent artists each year resources, community and support, with the aim of turning early momentum into long-term growth.
Sessions and live feedback#
The two days will feature sessions on the parts of the music business that matter most early in a career. Artists will also receive live feedback on their own songs.
- Songwriting
- Touring
- Money
- Building a team
- Making music videos
- Protecting mental health
- How music curation works
Speakers and partners#
Speakers include:
- John Legend
- Ryan Tedder
- María Zardoya of The Marías and Not For Radio, who was once a Fresh Finds artist herself
- Quinn XCII
- JP Saxe
- 8AE
- Solly
The lineup also includes leaders from Backline, CAA, Good World and True Panther, along with Spotify’s own editors. Fresh Finds Forward partners Splice, LANDR and BetterHelp will be on site to help artists use the tools and resources available through the program.
Joe Hadley, Spotify’s Global Head of Music Content and Partnerships, said:
“A Fresh Finds placement can be the moment an artist gets heard for the first time. The Summit brings Fresh Finds Forward to life in person, with two days of real, practical guidance from artists and industry leaders who’ve built lasting careers, shared with artists at a pivotal moment in their own.”
Wellness support and peer community#
As part of Spotify’s ongoing partnership with Backline to support artists in building sustainable careers, the Heart & Soul Wellness Lounge will give artists space to step away and meet with a nutritionist and a life coach. Attendees will also have access to the full suite of Backline resources, including B-LINE, the music industry’s 24/7 mental health and crisis support line.
Artists attending will also meet peers at the same career stage. Hundreds of Fresh Finds Forward artists will attend in person, and sessions will be filmed to share virtually with the thousands of artists in the program.
Fresh Finds’ record and recent activity#
Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlists have helped over 80,000 artists across 127 countries break through over more than a decade. Fresh Finds Forward is designed to provide support after artists are discovered.
Since the program launched in September, Fresh Finds Forward and related Fresh Finds initiatives have included:
- A first global livestream ask-me-anything (AMA) session, in which Isaiah Rashad answered questions from program artists
- The first five episodes of the Found on Fresh Finds series, which helps rising artists produce live performance videos
- Fresh Finds stages at Sounds That Move in Brooklyn, CMA (Country Music Association) Fest, FORM Arcosanti and Fresh Finds Live in Houston
- Fresh Finds & Friends community mixers that brought together more than 350 emerging artists across Australia
- Fresh Finds on Campus events across Sub-Saharan Africa
