{"id":108729,"date":"2026-09-17T15:21:33","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T14:21:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?p=108729"},"modified":"2026-09-17T15:21:33","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T14:21:33","slug":"spotify-launches-fresh-finds-forward-to-support-the-next-generation-of-independent-artists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/spotify-launches-fresh-finds-forward-to-support-the-next-generation-of-independent-artists\/","title":{"rendered":"Spotify launches Fresh finds forward to support the next generation of independent artists"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Spotify launches Fresh Finds Forward, supporting 10,000 emerging independent artists each year with resources, tools, opportunities and more.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Spotify is taking its support for emerging independent artists a step further with the launch of Fresh Finds Forward, a new program designed to help artists turn an early breakthrough into long-term career growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Launching September 17, 2026, Fresh Finds Forward will support approximately 10,000 emerging independent artists each year, providing them with resources, opportunities, education and community for 12 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The program builds on Spotify’s long-running Fresh Finds playlist ecosystem, which has spent more than a decade introducing independent and early-career artists to new listeners around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Fresh Finds to Fresh Finds Forward<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fresh Finds has become an important discovery point for emerging artists on Spotify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Spotify, its Fresh Finds playlists have helped more than 80,000 artists across 127 countries reach new audiences. Since 2024 alone, the playlists have generated more than 128 million new artist discoveries, with almost 70% of streams representing a listener hearing an artist for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The playlist ecosystem has also featured artists before they went on to build much larger audiences, including Laufey, Clairo, Doechii, Ice Spice, Megan Moroney, Ella Langley, Omar Apollo, ROLE MODEL, Ethel Cain and Royel Otis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fresh Finds alumni have also received Best New Artist nominations at the Grammys for five consecutive years, with recent nominees including sombr, Doechii, Japanese Breakfast, Ice Spice and Wet Leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Spotify, Fresh Finds Forward is intended to build on that initial moment of discovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen our editors feature an emerging, independent artist on a playlist, it can be a springboard for visibility that brings new listeners and new opportunities,\u201d Spotify says. \u201cFresh Finds Forward is how we turn that moment of discovery into something bigger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who is eligible for Fresh Finds Forward?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The program is aimed at artists who have already received the Fresh Finds editorial spotlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artists added to an eligible Fresh Finds playlist from January 1, 2026 onward will be invited to join Fresh Finds Forward through Spotify for Artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once onboarded, artists can access the program’s benefits for 12 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For independent artists hoping to get their music in front of Spotify’s editorial team, Spotify recommends pitching upcoming releases through Spotify for Artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That means Fresh Finds remains an important part of the journey: artists first have the opportunity to be discovered by Spotify’s editors, and Fresh Finds Forward then provides additional support once that editorial recognition happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does Fresh Finds Forward offer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The program goes beyond playlist exposure, offering participating artists access to a range of practical resources and opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the announced benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n