Blog: Spotify and BBC Music Introducing LIVE ’18 Announce Headline Partnership

BBC Music Introducing LIVE ‘18 - the must-attend event for any young person looking to begin their career in the music industry - is proud to announce a partnership with Spotify. Spotify will host the Discovery Theatre at BBC Music Introducing LIVE ‘18, which takes place at Tobacco Dock this November. Spotify will be hosting live versions of some of their original podcasts (including Who We Be TALKS_, Secret Genius and Killing It), as well as artist masterclasses on how to best utilise Spotify as an artist.

Spotify Sessions at BBC Music Introducing LIVE ‘18

Who We Be TALKS_

DJ Semtex, the host of Spotify’s original podcast Who We Be TALKS_, will host a session taking a look at current UK street culture - from the hottest artists through to the newest sneaker releases and youth issues. Who We Be TALKS_ will welcome special guests to talk about their musical journeys in-depth and unabridged, revealing inspiring stories behind the music.

Secret Genius

Secret Genius is a Spotify initiative dedicated to honouring the individuals behind some of the world’s best known and well-loved songs. Secret Genius sits down with the world’s biggest and best songwriters and producers to reveal the real stories behind their hits. Spotify at BBC Music Introducing LIVE ‘18 will welcome special guests to the stage to share the stories behind their best-known hits.

Killing It

In the always-on world of creativity, things can get stressed out and suffer, including your mental health. Spotify original podcast Killing It reveals real stories from real people from real start-ups who have had their own mental health issues on the frontline of entrepreneurship. Spotify’s live episode of Killing It at BBC Music Introducing LIVE ‘18 will feature artists telling their own stories alongside regular hosts therapist and coach Petra Velzeboer and James Routledge, founder of Sanctus, the mental health gym.

Artist Masterclasses

How do playlists work? How do you increase listeners and followers? What even is Spotify for Artists and how do you make sense of the data it provides? The Spotify Artist Masterclasses will provide artists and their teams with the knowledge, tools and best practices to help raise profile and really find an audience on Spotify.

Spotify and PRS Foundation presents: Gaining Momentum

The Momentum Music Fund has already supported more than 250 artists to build long-term successful careers. The UK’s leading charitable artist development fund offers up to £15,000 to support recording, releases, touring and marketing. But how do artists build momentum in the first place? When should artists apply and what are expert advisors looking for? In this masterclass, Momentum artists and funding experts will run through shared experiences while offering top tips to strengthen artists’ applications.

Bryan Johnson, Lead, Artist & Label Marketing UK, Spotify said: “We’re extremely excited to be partnering with BBC Music Introducing LIVE ‘18 - a key date in the calendar for up and coming artists, creators, and for those wanting to make their mark in the music industry. Having begun my career as an artist, I know and appreciate the value in learning the skills and hearing the stories first hand from those that have deep-rooted experience in the world of music - and lived to tell the tale. The sessions we’ve put together - such as the artist masterclasses - are designed to pass on a broad spectrum of knowledge and wisdom that we truly hope will inspire the next generation.” There will be a number of other talks in the Discovery Theatre throughout the event. Glastonbury’s festival organiser Emily Eavis will give an insight into booking their legendary line up, Adele’s manager Jonathan Dickens will be interviewed by Huw Stephens, BBC Radio 1’s Danny Howard and Example will come together on a specially curated pane ‘Bedroom to Ibiza’ and BBC Radio 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq will present a live version of his infamous demo bag with guests including Declan McKenna.

Hosted by BBC Music and supported by the breadth of the UK music industry, BBC Music Introducing LIVE ‘18 offers a weekend of invaluable support for emerging home-grown talent as up and coming acts look to break into the music industry. As well as over 100 inspirational talks, Q&As and workshops, BBC Music Introducing LIVE ‘18 will feature a number of performances from grassroots and established artists over the three days - including an intimate Thursday night headline performance from Ben Howard.

For more information on BBC Music Introducing LIVE ‘18 please visit www.introducinglive.co.uk/ and for more information on Spotify for Artists please visit artists.spotify.com/