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# Spotify Builds a Bigger Launchpad for 10,000 Independent Artists With Fresh Finds Forward
- URL: https://www.southboundsignal.com/spotify-builds-a-bigger-launchpad-for-10-000-independent-artists-with-fresh-finds-forward/
- Published: 2026-09-17T19:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-18T19:05:39.000Z
- Description: A coveted playlist placement will now open the door to studios, creative tools, industry connections, and mental health support.
- Author: Southbound Signal Staff
- Tags: News, Indie

**Spotify** has launched **Fresh Finds Forward**, a global support program expected to provide approximately 10,000 emerging independent artists each year with resources designed to help turn early attention into lasting career growth.

The yearlong program expands **Spotify's Fresh Finds** playlist network beyond music discovery. Eligible artists added to any **Fresh Finds** playlist beginning Jan. 1, 2026, will receive invitations through **Spotify for Artists** and gain access to the program's benefits for 12 months.

Those benefits include early access to select **Spotify** tools and features, prioritized access to tour and music video partnerships, educational events, and opportunities to connect with **Spotify** team members and **Fresh Finds** alumni. Participating musicians will also receive a **Fresh Finds** badge on their **Spotify** profiles.

U.S.-based artists will be eligible for free recording time at several prominent studios, including *Electric Lady Studios* in New York City, *The Lighthouse* at Ocean Way Nashville, and *Spotify Music Studios* in Los Angeles.

**Fresh Finds Forward** also provides premium access to **LANDR Studio Pro** and **Splice's Creator Plan**, along with mental health and wellness support that includes six months of therapy through **BetterHelp**.

**Spotify** says participation is free and does not require artists to accept a reduced royalty rate. The distinction separates **Fresh Finds Forward** from promotional programs such as Discovery Mode, which offers increased algorithmic exposure in exchange for a different royalty rate on selected streams.

**Fresh Finds** playlists are curated by **Spotify's** global editorial team and focus on independent, unsigned and early-career musicians across numerous genres and markets. During the past decade, the playlists have featured more than 80,000 artists from 127 countries.

**Laufey**, **Clairo**, **Ethel Cain**, **Ella Langley**, **Megan Moroney**, **Royel Otis**, and **Omar Apollo** are among the artists who appeared on **Fresh Finds** playlists before reaching larger international audiences.

**Spotify** reports that **Fresh Finds** has generated more than 128 million new artist discoveries since 2024, with nearly 70% of playlist streams coming from listeners hearing an artist for the first time. More than half of the musicians featured later receive placements on other editorial playlists, including **New Music Friday** and **RapCaviar**.

Notifications are now rolling out to eligible artists through **Spotify for Artists**. Musicians hoping to be considered for future **Fresh Finds** placements can submit upcoming releases to **Spotify's** editorial team through the platform.