Welcome …. and thanks for clicking in for issue #173 of the Spotify Newsletter.

The headline this week in the NY Post - Spotify to blame for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s podcast debacle - tells us we are presently hip deep into the Markle Rehabilitation project.

The insider accounts. The image softening. The reruns of ‘Suits.’ The ‘Spotify are the bad guys and that’s why the podcast sucked’ stories.

“They were given no formal lay of the land to kick things off, so they were already on unsteady footing even before the ink was dry,” an anonymous source close to the “Archetypes” production told the outlet.

What does that mean, ‘lay of the land?’ Did Spotify not give them proper directions to the studio? Was Daniel Ek supposed to be there to stock the fridge and show them how to turn on the podcast machines?

I have zero interest in MM outside of the Spotify angle. But I think it’s laughable that part of the PR blitz to help rehabilitate Ms. Markle’s royally tainted image is to paint Spotify in a negative light.

If Spotify gives me a mega-millions podcast deal, I am jumping in ready to rock.

Maybe the Markles figured they’d show up and the hard work would be dealt with by Spotify minions. Or, perhaps Spotify was going to open a headquarters dedicated solely to what the new ‘Archetypes’ podcast team needed, 24/7.

Ha! This angle that Spotify didn’t hold their hands, so that’s why the podcast endeavour was a mess is silly. Royally silly! And I won’t stand for it! :)

I’m done with Markle content as of this issue. Unless she comes out and personally blasphemes Daniel Ek, I shall no longer tread into royal waters.

Have a great day / terrific weekend!

★In the SPOTlight★

⭐️ WPP, Spotify Announce Global Partnership

WPP and Spotify today announced a new global strategic partnership that will enable WPP to offer its clients early access to Spotify’s innovative ad products, first-party intelligence and creative ways to reach engaged audiences at scale.

⭐️ Spotify Says 'Super Listeners' Make up 18% of Streams

On the heels of the mid-year market data report from Billboard affiliate Luminate, Spotify has released its own study on the value of “super listeners” — die-hard superfans who listen on repeat and buy all the merch. Those listeners make up 2% of an artist’s monthly listeners — but account for over 18% of monthly streams.

⭐️ These are the rock and metal songs that have achieved a billion or more streams on Spotify

Queen, AC/DC, Nirvana, Journey, and who else? The rock tracks that have achieved over one billion streams on Spotify.

⭐️ Spotify’s Call Her Daddy boosts streams for music superstars — but can podcasts do the same for smaller artists?

As streaming platforms become even more saturated with music and podcasts, thus fragmenting consumption, creating a hit single or superstar artist is not as simple as just dropping a new track. Artists are using every tool, including podcasts, to build engaged audiences and amplify their discoverability.

🗣 Podcast Action 🗣

• We asked, you answered: Will Spotify renew Joe Rogan’s contract?

• Arseblog Arsecast tops Spotify's inaugural football podcast league

🎧 The Playlist List 🎧

• Spotify Celebrates Toronto's Caribbean Carnival With Specially Curated Carnival Sounds Playlists

• 10 legit Spotify Playlist Curators to send music to

• Bad Bunny to be part of Spotify's 'Billions Club' series

🎼 Spotify 4 Artists 🎼

• 5 Guaranteed Ways To Organically Increase Spotify Streams

• New Audience Data: Meet Your Total Audience on Spotify for Artists

• What will Spotify’s price rise mean for its recording artists and songwriters?

💡 Tips & Tricks 💡

• Smores app combines Spotify and TikTok to help you discover new music

• How to Fix the “Spotify Can’t Play This Right Now” Error

🤖 Spot(ai)fy 🤖

• Using Spotify's AI DJ has turned the tables on Apple Music for me

• Spotify's AI-powered DJ tool is making listening more personal

⚽️ Spotify FC ⚽️

• How Spotify Brings FC Barcelona Players and Passionate Fans Together

• Unforgettable US Tour in association with Spotify

⚡️ Ek Notes ⚡️

• Longevity tech startup Epiterna exits stealth mode; receives funding from Daniel Ek’s Prima Materia

🖌 Design Notes 🖌

• Experimenting with Machine Learning to Target In-App Messaging

💰 Spotify Stock 💰

• Why Spotify's Price Increases Are Great News

• Will Spotify Ever Turn a Profit?

🔥 Extra News 🔥

• Spotify still the top music service in the UK says Ofcom

• Universal Music Group CEO Welcomes Spotify Raising Prices

• Spotify price rise reaction – and possible consequences

• Durand Bernarr Partners With Spotify for Final Installment of ‘R&B Rising’ Singles

🎵 New Adventures 🎵

Weak SWV

How Long Do I Have to Wait for You? Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Settled Down Like Rain The Jayhawks

Talk to Me Stevie Nicks

It Takes Me Back Ray LaMontagne

Afterlife Sam Roberts Band

We Got the Love George Benson

I'm Leaving The Teskey Brothers

You Make Me Feel so Free Van Morrison

📧 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! 😀