Spotify is often the subject of consternation and criticism from the creative community over unlicensed tracks and low payments. In part to counter the ill will, the music streamer launched Spotify For Artists with free analytics and marketing tools, hired Troy Carter as Global Head Of Creator Services, and last night celebrated songwriters and producers at its first Secret Genius Awards in Los Angeles.
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If the mood inside L.A.’s Vibiana Cathedral was any indication, Spotify’s charm offensive to win the hearts and minds of music’s creative community is working. The mood at last night’s inaugural Spotify Secret Genius Awards was nothing but celebratory, as songwriters and producers hugged and congratulated their peers..
Kicked off by the Zion Choir of Compton’s powerful rendition of Andra Day’s Rise Up, the night was filled with collabortative live performances. Erika Ender, co-writer of Despacito, followed, getting the crowd singing along to a stripped down rendition of the smash hit. Later, Shawn Mendes was joined on stage by collaborators Teddy Geiger and Scott Harris for an acoustic version of Treat You Better, while PARTYNEXTDOOR took to the stage with guitarist Andrew Watt, who gave the crowd an electric guitar solo during Wild Thoughts. Halsey closed out the night with an emotional performance of Sorry with collaborator and Secret Genius honoree Greg Kurstin.
Full List of Spotify Secret Genius Award Winners 2017
Secret Genius of the Year: Songwriter – J Kash
Songs: “We Don’t Talk Anymore” – Charlie Puth, “Don’t Wanna Know” – Maroon 5, “Swalla” (feat. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign) – Jason Derulo, “Cold” – Maroon 5 (feat. Future), “NO” – Meghan Trainor, “Shed A Light” (feat. Cheat Codes) – Robin Schulz, David Guetta, “Attention” – Charlie Puth, “Ain’t Your Mama” – Jennifer Lopez
Secret Genius of the Year: Producer – Max Martin
Songs: “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake, “Side To Side” – Ariana Grande, “Into You” – Ariana Grande, “Send My Love (To Your New Love)” – Adele, “Dangerous Woman” – Ariana Grande, “Chained To The Rhythm” – Katy Perry (feat. Skip Marley)
Secret Genius of the Year: Female – Starrah
Songs: “Fake Love” – Drake, “Needed Me” – Rihanna
Secret Genius: Pop – Greg Kurstin
Song: “Cheap Thrills” – Sia
Secret Genius: Hip Hop – Starrah
Song: “Fake Love” – Drake
Secret Genius: R&B – PARTYNEXTDOOR
Songs: “Work” – Rihanna (feat. Drake), “Sex With Me” – Rihanna
Secret Genius: Dance – Ali Tamposi
Songs: “It Ain’t Me” – Kygo, Selena Gomez, “Let Me Love You” – DJ Snake (Justin Bieber)
Secret Genius: Latin – Rude Boyz
Songs: “Felices los 4” – Maluma, “Borro Cassette” – Maluma, “Chantaje” – Shakira
Secret Genius: Rock – Mike Elizondo
Songs: “Heathens” – Twenty One Pilots, “Stressed Out” – Twenty One Pilots
Secret Genius: Country – Ashley Gorley
Songs: “T-Shirt” – Thomas Rhett, “Play It Again” – Luke Bryan, “Middle of a Memory” – Cole Swindell
Secret Genius: Breakthrough – Asia Whiteacre
“Starving” – Hailee Steinfeld, Zedd, Grey
Secret Genius: Motion Picture Adaptation – Mike Elizondo
Song: “Heathens” – Twenty One Pilots (Suicide Squad)
Secret Genius: Social Message – Warren Felder, Sebastian Kole, Andrew Wansel
Song: “Scars To Your Beautiful” – Alessia Cara