From Carpool Karaoke on Apple Music to Deezer’s “Ball’s Up,” original content is the latest way that music streamers are working to make their services unique. After a splashy announcement more than a year ago promising to do the same, Spotify is slowly, but surely, adding more original programming.
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Spotify has announced three new original podcast series that each offer a look inside the music industry. It’s part of a push to add more original content to the music streamer, while still rejecting the exclusive releases favored by some of its major rivals.
While each podcast is likely inexpensive to produce and should attract a following, its hard to see them collectively drawing the kind of significant audience likely for Apple Music’s upcoming Carpool Karaoke spinoff.
But at least it’s a start, and Spotify is promising more original shows later this year.
The three new Spotify podcasts are:
• SHOWSTOPPER – Premieres February 23
Hosted by Naomi Zeichner, Editor in Chief of The Fader magazine, Showstopper brings together two of the most culturally relevant topics of our time: TV shows and music. Through interviews with music supervisors, this biweekly podcast provides a pop culture analysis of our favorite music moments in TV. Season 1 will feature Girls, OC, Scrubs, Stranger Things, Being Mary Jane and more. Produced in partnership with Slate/Panoply Studios.
• UNPACKED – Premieres March 14
Co-hosts Matt FX, music supervisor for Comedy Central’s Broad City, and Michele Santucci of Spotify Studios, travel to festivals around the country for daily interviews with musicmakers, filmmakers, app-makers, food-makers and all manner of creative folks gathering together. Can’t roadtrip to all the cultural festivals? Don’t worry they’ve got you covered, starting in Austin, Texas at the annual South by Southwest conference and festival in March.
• THE CHRIS LIGHTY STORY (working title) – Premieres April
The Chris Lighty Story chronicles how music industry exec extraordinaire, Chris Lighty shaped the careers of some of hip hop’s most beloved artists like 50 Cent, LL Cool J, Missy Elliott, Foxy Brown, and Puff Daddy. His life followed a twisting path, with an abrupt end that left the music world reeling. Touching on issues of race, mental illness, the development of a new art form and the price of success, this podcast, hosted by Reggie Ossé unpacks his story in a way that’s relatable to all music fans. The series features direct commentary from Russell Simmons, Fat Joe, Warren G, The Violator Crew, Noriega, DJ Red Alert, Troy Carter and many more. Produced in partnership with Gimlet Media and Loudspeaker Network.