Spotify Launches Original Podcasts From Gimlet Media, Panoply Studios
(By Natalie Jarvey| Published on February 23, 2017 for hollywoodreporter.com)
One show will look at the life and influence of music industry executive Chris Lighty.
Spotify is adding to its offering of exclusive podcasts.
The music streaming service will announce Thursday three new podcasts that all look at a different facet of the music industry, from TV's top music moments to the career of executive Chris Lighty. The new shows represent a larger push into the podcasting world for Spotify, which first began carrying the format in 2015 and has since experimented with original podcasts such as Mic-produced Clarify.
First up among the new series is Showstopper, which premieres Feb. 23 and is produced in partnership with Slate and Panoply Studios. Hosted by The Fader editor-in-chief Naomi Zeichner, the series look at the impact of music on television through interviews with the music supervisors for Girls, Stranger Things, Being Mary Jane, The O.C. and others.
Another series, Unpacked, will follow Broad City music supervisor Matt FX and Spotify Studios' Michele Santucci as they travel to music festivals around the United States, interviewing musicians, filmmakers, chefs and other creative people along the way. The series premieres March 14, with episode one focusing on the SXSW festival in Austin.
Spotify will also be the exclusive home to a podcast that explores the life and career of music industry executive Chris Lighty, who worked with 50 Cent, Missy Elliott, Puff Daddy and others. The series, which has the working title The Chris Lighty Story, will be hosted by Reggie Osse and feature commentary from Russell Simmons, Fat Joe, Warren G, Troy Carter and others. Produced in partnership with Gimlet Media and Loudspeaker Network, the series will premiere in April.
Led by CEO Daniel Ek, Spotify has made a push to grow beyond its music streaming roots. In addition to adding podcasting the company has also begun offering video content. Last spring, it unveiled 12 original series, including animated series Drawn & Recorded.
Listen to the trailer for Showstopper HERE .
