Spotify Launches Fresh Finds Forward to Support 10,000 New Independent Artists — SkimNews
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- Spotify launched Fresh Finds Forward, a program supporting approximately 10,000 emerging independent artists each year starting January 1, 2026, building on its decade-long Fresh Finds initiative.
- Spotify will provide participating artists with 12 months of free studio time, premium access to digital tools like LANDR and Splice, and prioritized opportunities for tour or music video partnerships.
- Spotify is offering alumni of the original Fresh Finds playlist early access to select platform features and exclusive programming and community resources through the new program.
- Joe Hadley, Spotify’s Global Head of Music Content and Partnerships, stated that Fresh Finds Forward creates a full support system around playlist placement to help artists sustain early momentum.
- Fresh Finds has supported over 80,000 artists across 127 countries since inception, with five consecutive years of Best New Artist Grammy nominees being program alumni.
Why it matters: Independent artists gain direct access to high-cost resources like studio time and production tools, reducing barriers to career sustainability; Spotify strengthens its role in artist development at scale, with 10,000 annual participants set to benefit from tangible support beyond algorithmic exposure.
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