OPM listeners will surely have a refreshing listening experience as I Belong To The Zoo puts on a new flavor to “Hands To Heaven”, a song originally performed by English new wave band Breathe during the 80’s and eventually became popular in the Philippine airwaves during the early-mid 2000s.
The band, fronted by singer-songwriter Argee Guerrero is not a rookie anymore when it comes to doing versions of the songs they love, evident in different song covers they share on their official YouTube channel since the pandemic began. Leading to the release of the song, the band shared cryptic teasers on social media with a hashtag #XBXX.
As their fans would expect, IBTTZ’s “Hands To Heaven” has an alternative rock feel to it and it’s obvious that the group poured their soul in making this rendition. With beefy electric guitar tones and smooth vocals, I Belong To The Zoo indeed has a unique way of channeling the song’s core message to their listeners. Both compelling and cathartic, this version will relieve your sadness for sure. The band also filmed an official performance video to support this latest release (WATCH HERE)
“Hands To Heaven” by I Belong To The Zoo is part of Spotify’s New Music Friday Philippines playlist. Stream it now on your favorite digital platforms.
GetReadyWithMusic is a playful, interactive experience that invites users to take a quiz to get personalized playlists inspired by the textures, tones and vibes of their outfit.
“We had such a great time working with Spotify on the GetReadyWithMusic feature. I love how we were able to dress up and make different playlists for every look – and of course listening to amazing music the whole time!” Dixie and Charli D’Amelio enthused.
Whether it’s getting ready for a night out, prepping for a workout, or heading out for dinner with friends, Spotify is helping listeners soundtrack their “GRWM” (or, “get ready with me”) routines, no matter the occasion.
Here’s how to discover the experience for yourself:
First, make sure you have the latest version of the Spotify app.
Next, answer the prompted questions to tell Spotify about the vibes of your outfit–this is where you’ll share what you’re getting ready for, and describe your fit’s color story and texture.
Then, upload a photo of yourself in the outfit to serve as the cover of your new playlist.
Finally, you’ll receive a personalized, outfit-complementing playlist – complete with custom cover art–to stream and share with friends on social.
Once you’ve gone through the experience a few times, don’t forget to check out your Music Closet–where you’ll find all of the outfit playlists you’ve created so far.
New Gen Podcasts!
“Fall in love with Spotify’s latest Originals that gives young Filipinos the lowdown from love to Pinoy culture. Psst, with Spotify’s latest feature, these video podcasts, it’s almost like being in the same room!
Reel-and-real life couple Kyline Alcantara and Mavy Legaspi realize their passion project and venture into podcasting through MavLine on Me, designed to open up their love story to a broader audience, through a variety of conversations and to give a voice to their fellow young wallflowers.
Social media star Nana Silayro joins Spotify with Talking Nansense with Nana Silayro. With co-host Tomas Falconite, Nana promises light-hearted topics and conversations that would be a perfect companion for any activity–whether in transit, while on a leisurely walk, or even before bedtime.
Need a Pick-me up? Here’s Your Podcast Playlist RX
When in Need of Advice
Spotify offers Hinga Muna, a reminder that you are not alone, and that it’s important to take a pause and reflect. Featuring a wide range of podcast topics, from climate anxieties and parenting to a judgment-free exploration of sexuality, this playlist is your audio safe space.
Inspiration for Pinays
Pinay Voices captures just how powerful the modern Filipina woman is. For all your empowerment needs, there is a conversation you can join – for the soul-centered entrepreneur who needs reassurance that she’s navigating her business right, for the woman on-the-go who feels the need to re-center, there’s bound to be an episode here for every type of Pinay.
Kapag Pwede Daanin sa Tawa Laughter is the best medicine, and relatable Pinoy humor is just what the doctor ordered. In Tawa Muna, episodes such as the evergreen topic of age differences in relationships and a TV review unlike any other invite you to listen in. While you’re at it, it’s okay to laugh out loud.
It seems a lot of listeners find themselves coming back to Parokya Ni Edgar’s gem of a track “Your Song” because right now, it just surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify and still continues to rack up more streams.
The song, which was off the band’s 2003 record Bigotilyo is PNE’s first song to ever hit the said Spotify milestone. Time and time again, the band has been very thankful for all the love this simple love song of theirs has been getting over the years.
What’s also surprising is the fact that “Your Song” was never released as an official single by the band during their Bigotilyo era. The song, clocking in at less than three minutes and was written and sung by guitarist Gab Chee Kee organically rose to popularity during the mid-2000s. Since the song gained massive mainstream popularity, Parokya Ni Edgar decided to include “Your Song” on their Inuman Sessions Vol. 2 setlist back in 2012. (WATCH HERE)
Continue to show your love and listen to Parokya Ni Edgar’s “Your Song” on your favorite digital streaming platforms under Universal Records.
Spotify has launched a site dedicated to all things K-Pop, bringing fans closer to the music they love and the artists who create it.K-Pop ON! Trackwill provide anyone from the K-Pop curious to bonafide K-pop Stans a home base for all of Spotify’s K-Pop news, as well as exclusive artist interviews, happenings within the industry, up-and-coming trends and more.
Curated to complement the streaming experience, K-Pop ON! Track is chock-full of content that will take fans deeper into the K-Pop universe. From breaking down the wide world of Kpop terminology to step-by-step guides on creating a Spotify Blend playlist with BTS, from a series dedicated to who ‘We Stan’ (kicking off with NCT127) to sit-downs with Spotify’s K-pop music experts, the site celebrates the talent behind the tracks and the fans at the forefront of K-Pop.
The launch of K-Pop ON! Track comes as Spotify continues to see momentum of K-Pop streams around the globe. The newly named K-Pop flagship playlist K-Pop ON! (온) has racked up billions of streams for the genre since it first launched in 2014. With K-Pop dominating the charts and touching lives across the world, K-Pop ON! (온) has more than 3.9 million followers as of May 2022, with the USA, Indonesia and the Philippines topping the ranks for countries that stream the playlist most. With K-Pop being more than a music genre, but a cultural hub for fandoms, superstars, fashion moments, and more, K-Pop ON! Track will be a playground for fans to immerse themselves even further in the worldwide phenomenon.
Spotify is expanding Blend – a feature that allows users to create shared playlists with two new features:
● Blend with some of your favorite artists including BTS. Connecting artists and fans on an even deeper level, Blend will now allow users to merge musical tastes starting with 20 artists.
● Create a Blend playlist with up to 10 people. Previously, users could Blend with one friend or family member at a time. Starting today, users can expand their listening tribe with up to 10 people in a group, whether it’s their fellow music stans, close friends or chosen family.
Connect deeply with music
Launched in August 2021, Spotify Blend combines the best of the platform’s personalization capabilities and collaborative playlist functionality into a single shared playlist, making it even easier for users to connect, discover, and bond over the music they love. Available for Free and Premium users, music lovers can create personalized playlist in three easy steps –
Create + Invite: Just search “Blend” within the “Search” tab on Spotify. Then, tap “Invite” to select people to Blend with.
Blend: Once your friend has accepted the invite, Spotify will generate your shared Blend playlist, which will include songs and recommendations that reflect everyone’s music preferences and tastes. You’ll even be able to see which songs were added for which friend.
Listen + Share: After everyone has joined the collaborative playlist, you and your friends will receive a custom share card that you can use to spread the word on social media.
To start the Blend, simply click on the link above and a shared playlist will be automatically generated. Users will also receive a share card showing their listening preferences in relation to the artist’s, and the songs that bring them and their idol together. This may be shared directly to Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter.
For more information, visit Spotify For The Record here.
In its continued commitment towards artist empowerment, Spotify today unveils its 2022 slate of Filipino artists selected for RADAR, a global program that supports up-and-coming local artists by helping them reach new audiences. This year’s Spotify’s RADAR Philippines includes a slate of exciting rising talents across various genres including P-Pop and R’n’B artist Arthur Nery, indie artists, Adie and Lesha, as well as group BINI.
Discovery on Spotify
Through the program’s ongoing playlisting, marketing initiatives, and borderless reach, emerging Filipino artists are able to shine on both the local and global stage, allowing them to find, connect, and grow their fanbase – wherever they may be. Last year’s RADAR artist, Zack Tabudlo saw an international growth with more than 1,300% increase and grew listenership beyond the Philippines shores in the U.S.A., Canada, Thailand, Australia and more.
“We are excited to champion local artists at all stages of their careers. Spotify is committed to artist development and connecting fans with the music they love, through our platform and programs. We look forward to elevating the local music scene and seeing our RADAR artists grow through borderless access and greater discovery,” says Kossy Ng, Head of Music, Spotify Asia.
Love for Filipino Music
Filipinos are eager to discover new music, including that of budding Filipino artists. To boost discovery, Spotify featured about 39,000 Pinoy artists in local and global editorial playlists for the first time between 2020 and 2021. With artists such as Arthur Nery seeing an increase of average daily plays close to 400%, RADAR allows aspiring artists to connect to new fans by giving access to the world’s stage.
Nery is one of our Spotify RADAR artists, who started growing from strength to strength and made waves last year. Based on Spotify 2021 Wrapped data, one of his hits, “Higa,” appeared in all 20 Philippine cities that streamed Spotify the most in 2021, including his hometown of Cagayan de Oro. “Pagsamo” and “Binhi” also made waves in such key cities as Baguio, Bacoor, and Imus. “Pelikula”, his collaboration with Janine Tenoso, is among the country’s Most Viral Recordings of the Year. Tracks “Life Puzzle” and “TAKE ALL THE LOVE,” also rounded out the list of songs from Nery’s growing discography that made it to the Most Repeated Songs in the Philippines.
“To be able to shine a light on OPM music on the global stage is such an opportunity! I’m honored and happy that Filipinos appreciate what I create. Knowing that they like my music has also changed my perspective on music as an artist. I’m excited to be part of Spotify’s RADAR program, where I can reach more listeners at an international level and move more people with my music.” says Arthur Nery.
This International Women’s Day, Spotify is celebrating its community of Filipina artists, creators, and listeners with fresh content on EQUAL Philippines and Pinay Voices. The world’s largest audio streaming platform reinforces its commitment to fostering gender equity by spotlighting its year-long initiative EQUAL, a space dedicated to female voices in music and podcasts.
Empowered Filipina Voices on the Rise
In a global study commissioned by Spotify on the representation of women in the music industry, only 1 in 5 artists on the charts are women*. In the Philippines, Spotify saw a 35% female share in streams in 2021, reflecting the opportunity for equal representation in the music scene.
“Giving Filipino artists and creators a platform for their voices and passion has always been Spotify’s driving force, and the artists and creators we listen to should reflect the diversity of the world we live in. Spotify is committed to being a driver of progress, both on and off the platform.” said Kossy Ng, Spotify Asia’s Head of Music.
A space facilitating diverse perspectives and conversations, podcasts are on the rise amongst Pinay creators and listeners alike.
Spotify’s EQUAL Program Uplifts Women Artists and Creators
Since the launch of its EQUAL program, Spotify has seen consistent growth in listenership of local female artists on EQUAL Philippines, accounting for an average year-on-year growth of close to 50% in the Philippines. In 2021, the second year since the program was launched, there was a 46% share in the top 200 Songs chart for female artists, spotlighting Filipina artists like Belle Mariano, Julie Ann San Jose and more.
“With platforms like Spotify making an intentional commitment to champion gender equity, it generates more opportunities for our work to be seen and heard on the local and global stage. In this age of audio streaming, it has empowered Filipina artists like myself to pursue our passions, and even inspire aspiring artists or listeners through my craft,” says Keiko Necesario, Spotify March’s EQUAL Ambassador for Month.
Podcasts are an avenue for them to reach like-minded audiences, as well as tap new ones, in exploring topics relevant to the modern Filipina of today.
A space facilitating diverse perspectives and conversations, podcasts are on the rise amongst Pinay creators and listeners alike. In the past year, Spotify saw an almost 70% increase in Filipina podcast listeners, with Society & Culture, Wellness (Health & Fitness), and Education being the top podcast genres.
“It’s enlightening to see that people are more willing to open up about mental health and wellness” says Hannah Pangilinan, Creator of Spotify Original, Pausecast with Hannah. “I’m so honored for the opportunity to work alongside Spotify to develop a “kinder-approach to well-being—one that is non-judgmental and packed with takeaways perfect to easily incorporate into our daily conversations, routines and lives!” Her show is amongst the slate of refreshing content on Spotify’s latest wellness playlist, Hinga Muna.
For Pangilinan and many other creators, podcasts are an avenue for them to reach like-minded audiences, as well as tap new ones, in exploring topics relevant to the modern Filipina of today.
“Women artists and creators are integral to the growth of the audio industry – globally and in the Philippines.And our community of women and allies are raring to go; passionate and empowered to welcome a new, gender-equal era of audio,” Ng concludes.
It’s no secret that K-Pop is dominating the global music landscape as the genre and its artists continue to win hearts, change minds, and connect people across the world. In line with this momentum, Spotify is elevating the K-Pop listening experience with a complete relaunch of its influential flagship playlist (and its accompanying Twitter handle), K-Pop Daebak, now known as K-Pop ON! (온).
With over 230% growth in listening and with almost 8 Billion monthly streams globally, the genre has definitely taken over Spotify – as noted by the over 4.7M searches for “K-Pop” on the platform across the last 90 days. More detailed data surrounding the K-Pop ON! (온) playlist can be found below.
A destination for K-Pop fandom
K-Pop ON! (온) embodies the idea that ‘K-Pop is always on 100 for the whole world’. The new name is a double-entendre — combining the Korean word ‘온’ meaning, ‘100’, or ‘whole,’ with the English word ‘on’ to display the action of ‘turning on,’ a word that’s accessible to many languages around the world. K-Pop has exploded into an infectious global phenomenon and is taking over the ’whole (온)’ world. Every day in the K-Pop dreamland, there are new songs, styles, and trends and the K-Pop fandom is always-on. With K-Pop ON! (온), you’re not just turning on a playlist, you’re turning on the movement.
“K-Pop stands out in the vast world of music as a genre that is not just about the music but a movement encompassing an entire world of fandom, fashion, community, and more. As the world’s leading music streaming platform, Spotify not only curates the listening and discovery experience of K-Pop, but also takes on the role of a platform that drives the movement forward,” said Kossy Ng, Head of Music, Asia at Spotify. “As music lovers, we get how exciting the world of K-pop is and what it means to fans who follow it wholeheartedly. With K-Pop ON! (온), we aim to further elevate the experience for K-Pop fans, and become a catalyst for promoting both emerging and established K-Pop across the globe, connecting fans in authentic and creative ways.”
To celebrate the launch, K-Pop fans can also look forward to a wide swath of some of their favorite K-Pop artists including NMIXX, BTS, aespa, BLACKPINK, Red Velvet, NCT Dream, SEVENTEEN, ATEEZ and more on billboards around the world including LA, NYC, South Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan and Toronto, with more exciting content to come across the platform and Spotify’s owned channels.
More information can be found via Spotify’s For The Record blog post HERE.
K-Pop ON!(온) (formerly known as K-Pop Daebak) Playlist Data
● Most-streamed songs since launch in 2014
○ DDU-DU DDU-DU by BLACKPINK ○ FANCY by TWICE ○ DALLA DALLA by ITZY ○ Kill This Love by BLACKPINK ○ SOLO by JENNIE (FROM BLACKPINK) ○ LOVE SCENARIO by iKON ○ Boy with Luv by BTS ○ As if it’s Your Last by BLACKPINK ○ Bad Boy by Red Velvet
Top female groups on the playlist since launch in 2014
Top male groups on the playlist since launch in 2014
○ BTS ○ EXO ○ Stray Kids ○ IKON ○ TOMORROW X TOGETHER
Top song on the playlist each year since launch
○ 2017: As if it’s Your Last by BLACKPINK ○ 2018: DDU-DU DDU-DU by BLACKPINK ○ 2019: DALLA DALLA by ITZY ○ 2020: WANNABE by ITZY ○ 2021: Next Level by aespa
Average monthly discoveries
*aka listeners streamed an artist they had never before played on Spotify*
