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10 Songs You Didn’t Know Mick Jagger and Keith Richards Wrote… For Other People

Eric Alper
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10 Songs You Didn’t Know Mick Jagger and Keith Richards Wrote… For Other People

Before the Rolling Stones were the Rolling Stones as we know them—rock and roll’s eternal juggernauts—Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were young songwriters looking to break into the biz however they could. And that meant penning tunes for other artists. Here are 10 songs that Jagger and Richards wrote not for themselves, but for others to sing, shout, and shimmy to:

1. “That Girl Belongs to Yesterday” – Gene Pitney (1964)
One of the earliest Jagger–Richards compositions to hit the airwaves, this melancholic pop tune became a hit for Gene Pitney. It marked the first time the songwriting duo cracked the U.S. charts with someone else singing their words.

2. “As Tears Go By” – Marianne Faithfull (1964)
Long before the Stones made it their own, “As Tears Go By” was written for Marianne Faithfull when she was just 17. The lush orchestration and wistful lyrics launched her career—and hinted at the ballads Jagger and Richards could craft when they weren’t rocking out.

3. “Shang a Doo Lang” – Adrienne Posta (1964)
This girl-group-style pop number was written for 14-year-old British singer Adrienne Posta. Released in March 1964, it’s pure ’60s gold, brimming with swingin’ hooks and youthful charm.

4. “Will You Be My Lover Tonight” / “It Should Be You” – George Bean (1964)
Recorded as a two-sided single, these tunes by George Bean bear the unmistakable melodic stamp of early Jagger–Richards. Bean wasn’t a household name, but he had the honour of singing their words before they became icons.

5. “When Blue Turns to Grey” – Tracey Dey (1964)
Tracey Dey put her voice to this emotionally charged track before the Stones ever released their own version. It’s a perfect example of how the duo could channel heartbreak into harmony for other voices.

6. “Each and Every Day” – Bobby Jameson (1964)
The B-side to “All I Want Is My Baby,” this hidden gem was penned solely by Jagger and Richards. Jameson’s delivery gives it a moody edge, but the songwriting foundation is all Glimmer Twins.

7. “So Much in Love” – The Mighty Avengers (1964)
A British beat band that never quite broke through, The Mighty Avengers gave this Jagger–Richards tune a rousing go. The Herd, featuring a young Peter Frampton, would later revive it in 1966.

8. “Act Together” – Ronnie Wood (1974)
Written by Mick and Keith but gifted to Ronnie Wood for his debut solo album, this track grooves with a loose, communal feel. It’s Stones-y without being the Stones—just how Ronnie liked it.

9. “Sure the One You Need” – Ronnie Wood (1974)
Another Jagger–Richards track that Ronnie made his own, this swaggering rock number popped up again with the New Barbarians in 1979. The lyrics drip with Stones attitude, even when they’re not on lead.

10. “Lonely at the Top” – Mick Jagger (1985)
Ironically written by the pair but never performed by the band, this funky gem ended up on Jagger’s solo album She’s the Boss. It’s part satire, part autobiography—and proof their songwriting chemistry stretches far beyond the Stones’ catalog.

Helmut Philipps Explores Dub’s Global Legacy in ‘Dub: The Sound of Surprise’

Eric Alper
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Helmut Philipps Explores Dub’s Global Legacy in ‘Dub: The Sound of Surprise’

DUB, The Sound of Surprise is a detailed chronicle and fascinating guide to the captivating history of Jamaican dub music, the first of its kind. This archetype of the remix style grew out of reggae in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The book presents over 200 illustrations and some rare album covers, and describes the origins and development of a unique technique created in Jamaican recording studios which would change the world of music production forever. Author Helmut Philipps has visited the places dub happened, and met its pioneers, inventors, and key figures.

In addition to analysis, Philipps includes essays and conversations with and about King Jammy, Scientist, Style Scott, David Rodigan, Bunny Lee, King Tubby, Lee Perry, Dennis Bovell, Ernest Hoo Kim, Errol Brown, Linval Thompson, Tippy I-Grade, Victor Rice, Mad Professor and many others. The gripping narrative also takes a look at the development of dub in Europe, the UK, and the United States.

Graham Sharpe Chronicles the Vinyl Revival in ‘ON THE RECORDs’ Book

Eric Alper
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Graham Sharpe Chronicles the Vinyl Revival in ‘ON THE RECORDs’ Book

Far from being yesterday’s fading, forgotten format, vinyl records have survived and flourished as the music medium of choice for not only baby-boomers, but all ages. Every record a collector acquires comes with a story of its own, and the recent Covid-19 lockdowns prompted many vinylholics, including Sharpe, to look more closely at their reasons for collecting, take stock of existing collections and rediscover old favourites. ON THE RECORDs: Notes from the Vinyl Revival includes interviews and contributions from voices across the record industry – shop owners, record company insiders, online/postal sellers, auction organisers, market traders of vinyl, amateur collectors – who share their stories with candour, warmth and humour. A mesmerising blend of memoir, travel, music and social history that will appeal to anyone who vividly recalls the first LP they bought and any music fan who derives pleasure from the capacity that records have for transporting you back in time.

The Hold Steady and David Espinosa Alvarez Turn “Stay Positive” Into a Children’s Book

Eric Alper
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The Hold Steady and David Espinosa Alvarez Turn “Stay Positive” Into a Children’s Book

The Hold Steady’s beloved song of stick-to-itiveness and positivity is adapted into a beautiful children’s book co-written by David Espinosa Alvarez about the social life of a humble armadillo

STAY POSITIVE is a charming children’s picture book based on The Hold Steady song of the same name. The title track of the band’s fourth album (released in 2008), “Stay Positive” is a call to arms to stand strong and persevere during trying times. The song remains a fan favorite and a staple of The Hold Steady’s live shows.

The book follows the path of an adorable armadillo who discovers along the way how music can pull together a disparate cast of characters. It’s also a lesson in tenacity and maintaining a positive attitude when encountering adverse situations. The story ends up in a unified celebration that mirrors the joy of a Hold Steady performance.

Singer Craig Finn explains, “‘Stay Positive’ has a line that says, ‘The kids at the shows will have kids of their own,’ and it’s true: each year more Hold Steady fans become parents or grandparents. So I’m thrilled that we’re offering the children’s book version of ‘Stay Positive,’ which brings THS joy to the whole family.”

Grant McPhee’s ‘Postcards From Scotland’ Chronicles the Rise of Scottish Indie Music 1983–1995

Eric Alper
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Grant McPhee’s ‘Postcards From Scotland’ Chronicles the Rise of Scottish Indie Music 1983–1995

By 1983, many of Scotland’s post-punk bands had broken up or moved south to chase the major labels in London. That vacuum was filled by an influx of young musicians who were determined to remake the scene in their own image.

In this compelling and dynamic oral history, Grant McPhee chronicles the radical transformation of Scotland’s independent music scene from 1983-1995. Including archival photos and drawing from over 100 interviews with the key players of the time, Grant McPhee allows them to set the scene in their own words; including the Cocteau Twins, Shop Assistants, Teenage Fanclub, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream and many more.

Postcards from Scotland is the definitive story of the radicals, misfits and experimentalists who made independent music what it is today.

Rely on a Professional Plumber for Seamless Installation of Your Dishwasher!

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Have you recently purchased a dishwasher for your kitchen? Are you excited because it can reduce your daily cleaning job? Therefore, avoid making the mistake of attempting a DIY installation. Your slight mistake can cost you a lot. In this post, we will guide you through the importance of hiring a professional plumber to install your dishwasher. 

You have already decided to install it yourself to save on the upfront expenses. However, you will probably change your mind when you understand the consequences of self-installation.

How can a plumber help you with dishwasher installation? 

It’s crucial to understand the expertise they can bring to you with their service. 

  • Installation process.
  • Still set.
  • Efficiency.
  • Safety compliance.
  • Troubleshoot solutions.
  • Cost-effectiveness.

Now, consider the factors mentioned earlier and think critically about them. Is DIY a good option? 

Are you still not satisfied?

If you are still not satisfied, let me show you the other significant factors that require professional installateur lave vaisselle services. 

  • Electrical connections.
  • Permit and regulations.
  • Available drainage facilities.
  • Connecting the water supplies.
  • Availability of space.

Installing a dishwasher may be easy with the annual guide in your hand. But when you finally set for the task, you will face difficulties out of this world. Hiring a plumber can ensure time-saving and professional work. Believe me, it’s a wise decision after such a significant investment!

  • Safety

Proper plumbing and electrical connections ensure there are no accidents while using the unit.

  • Warranty coverage

If any problem occurs during the installation of the unit, you can sit back and relax, as the professionals will take care of it. Moreover, you will get warranty coverage. Thus, you can call them anytime for a free service if the system malfunctions.

  • Long term benefits

You can expect fewer problems in the future when you get it installed by your professional. With their knowledge and expertise, they can establish secure connections.

  • Efficiency 

For efficient and smooth dishwasher unit operation, consulting a professional plumber is the best choice. Unless you want to experience frequent problems with water leakage and wiring connections, professional installation should be the foremost option.

  • Expertise

You can avoid expensive mistakes while installing. For some parts, no warranty is provided by the companies either. Due to a lack of knowledge and expertise, if you end up messing up any part of the unit, imagine who will suffer as a result. And, if it’s an expensive part, then again, you will have to pay a hefty amount to get it from the company. However, the time it will take is a different story altogether. So, is it a wise decision to do it yourself?

  • Regulations

Do you know the local plumbing codes? It’s understandable that, as an average person, you may not know about it. However, with professional assistance, you can ensure compliance with local regulations.

Conclusion

When you have spent a significant amount on buying a branded dishwasher, how much will it cost to install it? Yes, some companies do charge a lot, accompanied by hidden charges. However, with experts from https://www.plomberie5etoiles.com/, you can ensure complete peace of mind because their charges are transparent and relatively cheaper compared to other plumbing companies operating in the market. So, what are you waiting for? Call them now to schedule your appointment. Trust me, you will thank yourself later on for the wise decision!

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Non-Alcoholic Seltzers Wholesale From Mitra9: Things To Ensure Before Buying

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

As demand for non-alcoholic beverages continues to grow, wholesale buyers are turning to trusted brands like Mitra9 for innovative options, such as non-alcoholic seltzers. These refreshing drinks offer a modern twist for retailers looking to expand their beverage lineup with trendy, functional products. However, before placing a wholesale order, it’s essential to evaluate a few key factors to ensure a smooth partnership and strong return on investment. From verifying inventory consistency to assessing packaging standards, being thorough upfront can help set your business up for long-term success with this brand’s seltzer offerings.

9 Things To Ensure Before Buying Non-Alcoholic Seltzers Wholesale From Mitra9

Consistent inventory availability

A key factor to consider before purchasing non alcoholic seltzers wholesale from Mitra9 is consistent inventory availability. Steady stock levels are crucial for maintaining a reliable supply chain, particularly if you intend to consistently offer these products to your customers.

Before committing to a wholesale partnership, it’s important to confirm that this brand can meet your order volumes without frequent backorders or delays. This consistency helps you avoid stockouts, fulfill customer demand on time, and maintain smooth business operations without disruption.

Competitive wholesale pricing

A key factor to consider before purchasing non-alcoholic seltzers wholesale from Mitra9 is competitive wholesale pricing. As a retailer or distributor, securing favorable pricing has a direct impact on your profit margins and pricing strategy.

It’s essential to compare this brand’s rates with those of other suppliers to ensure you’re getting a solid value for the quantity and quality offered. Clear and consistent pricing structures, along with potential bulk discounts, can make a noticeable difference in your bottom line and help you remain competitive in a growing beverage market.

Clear labeling and packaging standards

A key consideration before purchasing non-alcoholic seltzers wholesale from Mitra9 is ensuring that clear labeling and packaging standards are met. Professional and accurate packaging not only reflects the brand’s credibility but also supports your retail presentation. Labels should clearly list all essential details, such as ingredients, serving size, and any important usage instructions.

Additionally, well-designed packaging enhances shelf appeal and ensures the products meet retail compliance requirements. Confirming these standards in advance helps you maintain consistency across your inventory and creates a more trustworthy experience for your customers.

Reliable shipping and delivery timelines

A key consideration when purchasing non-alcoholic seltzers wholesale from Mitra9 is the reliability of shipping and delivery timelines. Timely fulfillment is crucial when managing stock levels, planning promotions, or meeting customer demand. Before placing a bulk order, it’s important to understand this brand’s shipping policies, estimated delivery times, and tracking processes.

A dependable logistics system minimizes delays, reduces the risk of inventory gaps, and helps your business operate efficiently. Confirming these details ahead of time allows you to plan more accurately and maintain a steady supply flow.

Transparent ingredient information

A key consideration when purchasing non-alcoholic seltzers wholesale from Mitra9 is transparent ingredient information. Clear disclosure of ingredients allows you to confidently present the product to your customers, address common questions, and meet labeling requirements.

Transparency also fosters trust, as buyers today are increasingly mindful of what they consume and expect straightforward product information. Before finalizing a wholesale purchase, it’s a good idea to review the ingredient list for each flavor and ensure it aligns with your store’s standards and customer expectations.

Positive distributor reviews and reputation

A key factor to consider before purchasing non-alcoholic seltzers wholesale from Mitra9 is positive distributor reviews and a strong reputation. Taking time to research what other retailers and partners say about this brand can offer valuable insight into their reliability, professionalism, and overall service quality.

Consistently positive feedback is often a sign of a trusted brand that delivers on its promises. Checking reviews, testimonials, or industry ratings can help you make a more informed decision and avoid potential challenges down the road.

Minimum order requirements and terms

A key consideration before purchasing non-alcoholic seltzers wholesale from Mitra9 is understanding the minimum order requirements and terms. Knowing the order thresholds, payment terms, and any return or cancellation policies ahead of time can help you plan your inventory and budgeting more effectively.

It also ensures that there are no unexpected conditions that could affect your purchasing process. Clear terms make the transaction smoother and allow you to assess whether the partnership aligns with your business model and sales goals.

Responsive customer service

A key factor to consider before purchasing non-alcoholic seltzers wholesale from Mitra9 is the availability of responsive customer service. When managing bulk orders or addressing order-specific concerns, having timely and helpful support makes a significant difference.

A responsive customer service team can quickly assist with inquiries, resolve issues, and provide updates that help keep your operations running smoothly. Before committing to a wholesale partnership, it’s wise to assess how easily you can contact their team and how efficiently they handle communication. This ensures a more dependable and collaborative business experience.

Product variety and flavor options

A key consideration before purchasing non-alcoholic seltzers wholesale from Mitra9 is the variety of products and flavor options available. Having a broad selection allows you to cater to diverse customer preferences and keep your offerings fresh and exciting.

Before placing a wholesale order, it’s essential to review the range of flavors and formats that this brand provides to ensure they align with your target market’s tastes. A versatile product lineup can enhance your store’s appeal and help attract a wider audience.

Why Should You Buy Non-Alcoholic Seltzers Wholesale from Mitra9?

You should consider purchasing non-alcoholic seltzers wholesale from Mitra9, as they offer a reliable combination of quality, variety, and competitive pricing.

This brand’s extensive product range and innovative flavors enable retailers to cater to diverse customer preferences, while their professional packaging and transparent business practices foster trust and credibility.

Additionally, this brand’s commitment to dependable shipping and strong customer support ensures a smooth purchasing experience. Partnering with them can help your business stay ahead in a growing market with confidence and ease

Bottom Line

Before buying non-alcoholic seltzers wholesale from Mitra9, it’s essential to carefully consider several key factors to ensure a successful partnership. Verifying consistent inventory availability, competitive pricing, clear labeling, reliable shipping, and transparent ingredient information can make all the difference in meeting your business needs. Additionally, paying attention to customer service responsiveness, product variety, positive distributor reputation, and order terms will help create a smooth purchasing experience.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Spotify Sparks Maskandi Renaissance as South Africa’s Fastest-Growing Genre Gains Global Momentum

Eric Alper
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Spotify Sparks Maskandi Renaissance as South Africa’s Fastest-Growing Genre Gains Global Momentum

In South Africa, the rebirth and resurgence of the vibrant folk genre Maskandi has captured the attention of music fans, becoming the country’s fastest-growing sound on Spotify over the past two years.

Steeped in Zulu storytelling traditions, Maskandi has spanned generations and has typically resonated mostin rural parts of the country, including the KwaZulu-Natal province it originated from. But as artists fuse Maskandi’s sound with Amapiano, gospel, and hip-hop, urban Gen Zs are embracing the genre as a way to reclaim their heritage and express their cultural fluency. The result? A full-blown Maskandi renaissance, fueled by pride, experimentation, and authentic storytelling.

A genre reinvented for a new era

On Spotify, nearly half of Maskandi’s listeners are under 35, and many are gravitating to their Bhinca Nation playlist, which is the destination for the genre’s hottest hits. Averaging more than 2 million plays each month, the playlist has grown by more than 3,000% since 2022.

This growing spotlight has also translated into dramatic rises in streams for many of Maskandi’s biggest names:

  • Umafikizolo, Mshinwemali, and Sminofu have all seen their fusion-forward sounds resonate across demographics. Since 2023, their streams are up 897%, 495%, and 258%, respectively.
  • Genre torchbearers Inkos’yamagcokama and Mzukulu continue to lead with consistency, with their streams growing 86% and 79%, respectively.
  • Meanwhile, LIMIT NALA and MENZI MUSIC are quickly turning heads and generating buzz as newcomers to the scene.

These aren’t just stats—they’re signals. Listeners are hungry for music that’s both culturally grounded and globally fluent. More than just a streaming destination, Spotify is soundtracking a movement and reshaping what it means to be proudly Zulu in a hyperconnected world.

Capturing a generational shift

As Maskandi’s revival grows larger, they want to uplift artists and help them build deeper connections with loyal fans, while introducing them to new listeners around the world. That’s why they ’ve kept an ear to the ground, and working with the Consumer Insights Agency, they recently commissioned an in-depth report uncovering the trends driving this movement.

Read on for the six key trends shaping the future of Maskandi, revealing how this age-old art form is being reinvented for a new generation.

Spotify isn’t just a platform for this new era of Maskandi, but a cultural catalyst. And they’re proud to help advance a cultural movement as the genre evolves for a new generation.

Discover the artists and hits fueling Maskandi’s growth on their Bhinca Nation playlist:

Francophone Audio Surges Globally as Spotify Reveals 123 Million Listeners Worldwide

Eric Alper
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Francophone Audio Surges Globally as Spotify Reveals 123 Million Listeners Worldwide

On Spotify, francophone content continues to cross borders at an unprecedented rate. In 2024 alone, more than 123 million listeners worldwide streamed audio content in French, whether music, podcasts, or audiobooks. What’s more, 100 million of those listeners were outside of the historically francophone regions of France, Quebec, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.

“It’s incredible to see the power of our platform connecting over 100 million fans globally with francophone content. This is more than just a musical trend—it’s a testament to our ability to deliver creativity and fuel discoverability across the globe,” said Gustav Gyllenhammar, Vice President, Markets and Subscriptions at Spotify. “We’re seeing listenership for francophone content explode in markets across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, a phenomenal proof point for Spotify’s ability to help artists and creators find their audience, no matter where they are. Spotify offers audio creators from all walks of life, from Québec to West Africa, a global stage, and we’ll continue to support them in growing their audience on our platform.”

Charting the global impact of francophone music

Francophone music in particular remains immensely popular around the world. Every month, more than 64 million hours of music performed in French is streamed from all corners of the globe. French music owes this global success to the wealth of styles it encompasses.

Today, we can hear songs like Indila’s “Dernière danse” resonate in São Paulo, while Gazo and Soolking’s “Casanova” pops up on playlists in Cairo and Patrick Watson’s “Je te laisserai des mots” touches hearts in Seoul. 

Powerful voices like those of Stromae, GIMS, and the “Queen of France,” Aya Nakamura, stand alongside more recent talents like Yamê, whose single “Bécane” was a viral smash hit. This musical diversity, carried by artists from all walks of life, makes the range of expression found in francophone music as vast as it is universal. 

Most-listened-to francophone artists on the platform worldwide:

    1. Stromae
    2. GIMS
    3. Jul
    4. Indila
    5. Patrick Watson
    6. Soolking
    7. Aya Nakamura
    8. Tayc
    9. Gazo
    10. PNL

Expanding beyond borders

Outside of France, artists from Africa are also contributing to the popularity of french music, bringing styles that navigate between local heritages and global influences. From the streets of Abidjan to the studios of Bamako, established artists like Tiken Jah Fakoly, Amadou & Mariam, and Sidiki Diabaté bring the rich musical traditions of their homelands to the world.

Quebec also plays a decisive role in the worldwide demand for french content. With nearly half of Quebec users regularly listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks in French, the province stands out as a major consumer and global exporter of francophone content. Quebecois artists continue to captivate fans both in Canada and abroad, with the likes of Patrick Watson, Les Cowboys Fringants, Charlotte Cardin, and Enima dominating the charts in Quebec, and songs like “Je te laisserai des mots” popping up in more than 6.6 million playlists worldwide last year.

Elevating francophone voices

As the sounds of francophone music seduce the world, podcasts are also reaching attentive ears. Francophone podcasts have seen streams skyrocket by 1,888% since 2019, with shows like The GOAT and LEGEND reaching listeners outside of francophone zones. Alongside those, educational formats like InnerFrench, Little Talk in Slow French, and Easy French are a hit with those who want to learn or perfect their French. Meanwhile, L’Heure du Monde, Canapé Six Places, HugoDécrypte, and Rock & Pop Stories nourish the curiosity of listeners around the world with news, social observations, and pop culture content. 

On average, the francophone podcast is listened to for more than four hours per month by those who do not speak French daily—a constantly increasing figure reflecting a real curiosity for stories and voices from the francophone world.

Top 5 most-listened-to francophone podcasts worldwide:

    1. The GOAT
    2. LEGEND
    3. Little Talk in Slow French
    4. L’Heure du Monde
    5. InnerFrench

Francophone audiobooks are on the rise

French-language audiobooks have only just begun their history on Spotify, but the response from listeners already speaks for itself. Following the launch of Audiobooks in France last October, they have quickly found their audience, with classics like 1984 and immersive narratives like Jacaranda reaching curious listeners. While the bulk of listening today is concentrated in a few key markets, the trend is spreading: Every month, nearly 12,000 hours of French audiobooks are streamed in countries where French is not the main language.

Additionally, five of the 10 most-listened-to francophone audiobooks in North America come from Quebec authors, including TK’s Aliss and Patrick Senécal’s Aliss and Hell.com, as well as Andre Cedilot and Andre Noel’s Mafia Inc. This success is a testament to Quebec’s literary influence and the growing interest in its stories on Spotify.

Breaking down the success of francophone music

Spotify data paints a definitive picture of francophone music’s global popularity, and For the Record spoke with Spotify’s Global Head of Editorial, Sulinna Ong, for an in-depth look at the French cultural and musical trends that have made waves in 2025.

How do you explain the continued success of francophone music on Spotify? What do you think is driving this global phenomenon?

There’s never been a better moment for francophone music. Its global rise is being driven by a mix of deep emotional storytelling, a rich diversity of styles, and artists who aren’t afraid to blend tradition with innovation. From rap to electro-pop to variété française, French-language music resonates with listeners far beyond its borders.

That’s not a coincidence. It reflects the growing appetite for authenticity and genre-bending creativity—two things that francophone artists excel at. 

What role does Spotify play in promoting francophone music, podcasts, and audiobooks abroad?

Spotify serves as a bridge between creators and global audiences. We work closely with local editorial teams to identify emerging francophone voices and help them break beyond their home countries. Our Spotify music editors share tracks they believe have cross-border appeal, and we’ve seen that effort pay off in a big way.

Take Yamê, for example. We spotted him early, supported him through our RADAR program, and now more than half of his streams come from outside France. That’s the kind of journey we aim to enable: local talent, global reach. 

What continent or region of French music fans surprised you the most?

Asia-Pacific has been one of the most exciting surprises. We’ve seen tracks like “Dernière danse” by Indila or “Je te laisserai des mots” by Patrick Watson find huge resonance in cities like Seoul and Tokyo. And artists like Aya Nakamura and Stromae consistently rank among the most-streamed francophone acts in the region.

It’s a powerful reminder that great music transcends language—people connect through rhythm, emotion, and storytelling, and French music delivers all three.

Which French-speaking artists are on your radar this year?

This year, we’re watching a vibrant new generation emerge. Artists like Jeune Lion, Didi B, and BAD NOVA from Francophone Africa are doing incredible things with sound as they blend global genres with local roots. 

I’m also very excited about the continued rise of female artists like Zaho de Sagazan, who recently performed a number of sold-out shows in the United States, and has become quite a phenomenon in some parts of Europe, like Germany. It’s exciting to see this former RADAR France artist that we’ve supported and believed in for so many years achieve such success on our platform. 

Yseult is another incredible, talented artist from our EQUAL program who recently entered the Billboard 100, a first in more than 30 years for a French female artist.

What is your hope for the future of French music on Spotify?

Our hope is simple: that French music continues to travel, surprise, and inspire. We want to see artists from all corners of the francophone world—from Paris to Dakar to Montréal—connect with fans globally and build sustainable careers doing what they love.

Spotify will keep doing everything we can to make that happen through discovery tools, local editorial expertise, and programs that elevate emerging voices. The French language is having a global audio moment, and we’re just getting started.

Discover the best in francophone music with their playlist Grand Hit. 

Spotify Celebrates Five Years of RADAR Italia with Class of 2025

Eric Alper
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Spotify Celebrates Five Years of RADAR Italia with Class of 2025

Since popping up in 2020, RADAR Italia has not only supported emerging artists but also reflected the cultural and musical richness of Italy. Over the past five years, it has spotlighted more than 40 rising talents, helping them grow and often gain international recognition. In turn, these diverse voices have made Italy’s music scene more inclusive, representative, and attuned to a new generation of fans with their unique sounds.

“This anniversary is a chance to celebrate the achievements of the many artists who have been part of the program. For five years, RADAR Italia has been a reference point for emerging talent, offering not just visibility but also concrete tools to grow and carve out a space in music,” said Melanie Parejo, Head of Music for South and Eastern Europe at Spotify. “But our commitment goes beyond selection: We support them at every stage of their journey, helping build authentic connections with audiences and explore new creative opportunities. RADAR is a bridge between artists and the millions of listeners looking for new voices and stories to discover.”

RADAR Italia has served as a launchpad for many artists, with the likes of BLANCO, Mara Sattei, Tony Boy, ARIETE, and Rhove representing some of the most influential voices in Italian music today.

On average, their featured RADAR Italia artists experience over a 100% increase in streams and an almost 200% increase in listeners within a year of joining the program. That includes BigMama, who went from 11,000 monthly listeners before joining RADAR Italia in 2021 to over 800,000 listeners by the time she took the stage at Sanremo in 2024. 

“Being part of Spotify RADAR was a milestone in my career, and I hope it will be the same for the young artists selected this year,” said BigMama. “Most importantly, the collaboration with Spotify doesn’t end when the program does—it continues over time, because when you become part of RADAR, you’re part of a family forever.”

Celebrating five years with RADAR Italia’s Class of 2025

To mark the fifth anniversary of RADAR Italia, Casa Spotify hosted a special event to both reflect on the program’s achievements and present the artists featured in the 2025 edition: Marte, Carla Hero, Emma Nolde, Glocky, Sayf, and camoufly.

BigMama 

camoufly 

Sayf 

Carla Hero 

Glocky 

Melania Parejo 

Marte 

Emma Nolde 

BigMama 

camoufly 

Each of the six selected artists uniquely embodies the new trends that are reshaping Italy’s music landscape. As part of the program, all will receive on- and off-platform support, including special editorial placement, exclusive content opportunities, and personalized marketing plans, to help them connect with new fans.

Keep reading to meet their RADAR Italia Class of 2025.

Marte

A rapper from a small town in Puglia, Marte reinterprets old-school hip-hop through the lens of Gen Z. Marte’s STAY ON BARS freestyle series and early releases have quickly drawn attention for their authenticity and stylistic clarity.

Carla Hero

Hailing from Sicily, Carla Hero merges singing, rap, and introspective storytelling into a uniquely emotional style. Carla’s debut EP, BRILLEREMO, has forged a strong connection with younger audiences on social media, marking her as a rising voice of her generation.

Emma Nolde

Singer-songwriter and producer Emma Nolde has released three albums spanning pop and rock. The multifaceted talent has collaborated with a diverse range of Italian artists, including pop collective bnkr44 and singer-songwriter Niccolò Fabi, while also serving as a Spotify GLOW ambassador in 2024.

Glocky

Glocky is bringing rage rap and cloud rap to the Italian mainstream. With two albums to his name and several high-profile collaborations in tow, Glocky is now one of the most in-demand voices in Italy’s new urban scene.

Sayf

An Italo-Tunisian rapper and singer-songwriter, Sayf blends the singer-songwriter traditions of Genovese cantautorato and modern rap with a strong multicultural identity. His debut EP, SE DIO VUOLE, highlights his versatility and positions him as one of Italy’s most promising new talents.

Camoufly

The masked and fully independent camoufly is emerging as a key player in the new global dance scene. With recent tours in North America and Asia under his belt, and support from Spotify’s global editorial playlists, his hybrid sound is reaching new heights in 2025.

Discover more of the top sounds from the next wave of stars on RADAR Italia:

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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