Hello and thanks for checking out issue #118 of the Spotify Newsletter!

This week the news from the audio giant covers all the bases - from acquisitions and podcasts, to helpful tips and yet another artist seeing massive streaming jumps care of Netflix’s “Stranger Things.”

Spotify did scoop up popular interactive music guessing game Heardle. Spotify also annoyed some of the game’s longtime fans. I’m not one for these types of games, but if the move, as Spotify's Jeremy Erlich wrote, “enhances music discovery and help artists reach new fans," then consider me on board with the deal.

I’m keeping it short this week! Let the news do the talkin’.

Have a nice weekend.

★In the SPOTlight★

🔥 Spotify Celebrates Growth Of Country Music Streaming With New Campaign

Spotify is celebrating the growth of country music on its platform with a new campaign featuring digital content from Dierks Bentley, Breland, Hailey Whitters, and Dustin Lynch. The campaign supports Spotify’s flagship country playlist, Hot Country, and follows Spotify’s presence at CMA Fest, where many artists performed at Ole Red in downtown Nashville.

🔥 Hulu Orders Docuseries Inspired By ‘RapCaviar’ Spotify Playlist

The eight-episode series will feature Tyler the Creator, Jack Harlow, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Saweetie and Roddy Ricch.

🔥 Spotify to Acquire Music Trivia Sensation Heardle

Spotify announced Tuesday that it has purchased Heardle, a themed trivia game that will begin its integration in the US, the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand before expanding to other countries and languages. The company also plans to eventually integrate Heardle “more fully” into the app.

🔥 Bogus Takedowns Frustrate Musicians and Wipe Music From Spotify

Artists are “weaponizing” false claims against rivals, taking down music that’s starting to get traction. This problem isn’t limited to a single service but as one of the largest streaming services, Spotify often finds itself involved.

🗣 Podcast Action 🗣

Spotify is expanding video podcast publishing to creators in six more countries

Australian podcasters sign exclusive, multimillion-dollar deal with Spotify

🎧 The Playlist List 🎧

Turn Your Spotify Playlists Into a Dream Music Festival Poster

Have Your “Running Up That Hill” Moment with Spotify’s New ‘Stranger Things’ Playlist

Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” (Released 1986) Enters the Top 10 on Spotify’s Top 50 USA Chart

Streaming bill could mean Justin Bieber hits don't count as 'Canadian' on Spotify

🖌 Design Notes 🖌

Engineering culture: The secret to Spotify’s success (Video / Austin Lamon, Spotify)

💰 Spotify Stock 💰

Will This Spotify Acquisition Strengthen Ad Revenue?

💡 Tips & Tricks 💡

Show your musical taste with data: The best analytics tools for Spotify

How to Create a Spotify Iceberg and Explore Your Music Tastes

🔥 Hot News Links 🔥

Spotify on Nest Hub can now show real-time lyrics

How a parody song about Peru’s ex-president topped Spotify charts

Spotify bet everyone would forget about the Joe Rogan controversy—and it paid off

Raphinha Roasted for Pointing at Spotify Logo Instead of Barca Badge

🎵 New Adventures 🎵

Your Time Is Gonna Come Jimmy Page, The Black Crowes

Surprise, Surprise Bruce Springsteen

Disturbing Behavior Robert Palmer

Sneaking Sally Through the Alley Sister Sledge

We're in This Love Together Al Jarreau

Am I A Fool Tower Of Power

Best I Can Rush

Steam Peter Gabriel

Even Now Barry Manilow

📧 Get in touch 📧

If you have a question, idea, request, or simply a desire to chat about Spotify, please email me at jeff.spotifynewsletter@gmail.com.

😀 Have a Nice Weekend! 😀

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