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Spotify Launches Fresh Finds Forward for 10,000 Independent Artists

Spotify has introduced Fresh Finds Forward, a program to support about 10,000 emerging independent artists each year.

LEEDS, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Tucker Harrington Pillsbury, aka Role Model, performs during the 2026 Leeds Festival at Bramham Park on August 28, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Ka

Spotify has introduced a global artist development program called Fresh Finds Forward, designed to support roughly 10,000 emerging independent artists each year.

The initiative is meant to help artists convert early momentum on the streaming platform into broader career growth. It builds on more than a decade of Fresh Finds, which has helped more than 80,000 artists across 127 countries reach new listeners.

In 2021, Spotify expanded Fresh Finds into a program that offered indie musicians marketing exposure and educational tools. That program grew out of the Fresh Finds playlist.

Past participants include:

For five consecutive years, alumni of the program have received Best New Artist nominations.

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