Spotify launches Fresh Finds Forward for emerging independent artists

Spotify has launched Fresh Finds Forward, a new artist development programme designed to support emerging independent artists as they build momentum on the platform.

Around 10,000 artists each year are expected to benefit from the programme, with access to resources ranging from studio time and industry events to creative tools, Spotify opportunities and wellbeing support.

For independent artists, there’s one particularly important thing to know: Fresh Finds Forward is invitation-only. It starts with getting selected for a Fresh Finds playlist.

What is Spotify Fresh Finds?

Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlists are dedicated to discovering and showcasing independent, unsigned and early-career artists.

They’re curated by Spotify’s music editors around the world, covering different genres and markets and highlighting artists the editorial team believes in.

Over the past decade, Spotify says Fresh Finds has supported more than 80,000 artists across 127 countries, helping introduce emerging artists to new listeners at an important point in their careers.

Since 2024 alone, Spotify says Fresh Finds playlists have generated more than 128 million new artist discoveries, with nearly 70% of streams representing a listener hearing an artist for the first time.

Fresh Finds Forward now takes that support a step further.

What is Fresh Finds Forward?

Fresh Finds Forward is a 12-month programme for eligible independent artists who have been selected for one of Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlists.

Eligible artists added to any global Fresh Finds playlist from 1 January 2026 onwards can be invited to join the programme through Spotify for Artists, subject to Spotify’s programme eligibility criteria.

Joining is optional. Once onboarded, artists can access the programme’s benefits for 12 months.

What do artists get through Fresh Finds Forward?

Spotify has announced a substantial range of support for participating artists, although some opportunities depend on the artist and their location.

This includes free studio time for US-based artists, with participating studios including Electric Lady Studios in New York, The Lighthouse at Ocean Way Nashville and Spotify Studios in Los Angeles.

Artists can also receive:

• Early access to selected Spotify tools and features
• Opportunities to apply for tour or official music video partnerships with Spotify, available to a limited number of US-based artists
• A Fresh Finds badge on their Spotify artist profile, highlighting recognition from Spotify’s editorial team
• In-person and virtual events to connect and learn from Spotify team members, industry figures and Fresh Finds alumni
• 12 months of LANDR Studio Pro
• Six months of Splice Creator Plan
• Mental health and wellbeing resources, including six months of free therapy through BetterHelp

Spotify also provides participating artists with access to exclusive programming, a private community and a dedicated Fresh Finds Forward benefits hub.

How do I get onto Fresh Finds Forward?

You cannot apply directly to Fresh Finds Forward. It is an invitation-only programme.

Instead, eligible artists can be invited after being selected by Spotify’s editorial team for a Fresh Finds playlist.
That means the starting point is the same as it is for other Spotify editorial opportunities: pitch your upcoming music through Spotify for Artists before release day.

When distributing your music through EmuBands, make sure your release is delivered to Spotify with plenty of time before its release date. Once it appears under Upcoming in Spotify for Artists, you can submit a track directly to Spotify’s editorial team.

Your pitch is an opportunity to give Spotify’s editors useful context about the release, including its genre and sound, the story behind it, your plans to promote it and any momentum you’re already building.

Does EmuBands pitch music to Fresh Finds?

There isn’t a separate distributor submission route specifically for Fresh Finds Forward.

Fresh Finds playlists are curated by Spotify’s editorial teams, and eligibility for Fresh Finds Forward follows from that editorial support. The most important thing you can do is deliver your music early and submit a strong editorial pitch through Spotify for Artists.

But you don’t have to do it alone.

With EmuBands Pro and Premium, eligible releases can also be considered for editorial pitching by our Artist Relations team. We work directly with DSP editorial teams, including Spotify, to highlight releases we believe have a strong editorial story and help give our artists the best possible opportunity to be heard.

While no distributor can guarantee editorial support or playlist placement, having our team behind your release helps you put your best foot forward, and put your music in front of the people who curate the playlists.

Give your next release more support

Fresh Finds Forward shows just how valuable early editorial support can become. A playlist placement might introduce your music to new listeners – and, for eligible Fresh Finds artists, it can now open the door to a year of additional support from Spotify.

If you’re serious about building momentum around your releases, EmuBands Pro and Premium give you access to a higher level of support from our team, including editorial pitching and release strategy advice.

With Pro, you’ll get access to a personal account manager from our Artist Relations team and additional tools and services like playlist pitching, designed for artists actively growing their careers.

With Premium, you get our highest level of service, combining the benefits of Pro with unlimited digital distribution; no per-release fees.

Already on Pro or Premium? Make sure you’re taking advantage of the support available to you around your upcoming releases.

Ready to give your next release more support? Explore EmuBands Pro and Premium.

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About EmuBands

Formed in 2005, EmuBands is the trusted partner of thousands of artists, labels and managers across the world. With supercharged release features and expert support, we provide a low-cost solution to distribute your music, allowing you to retain control of your copyright and keep 100% of your royalties. Review our Pricing, Services, and Sign-Up today.