Spotify Launches Secret Genius To Celebrate Songwriters, Producers

Spotify has launched Secret Genius, an effort to highlight the contribution songwriters and producers make to music. Credits for songwriters, producers and additional musicians which once appeared in liner notes on albums and CDs are missing from music streams and most downloads.

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Just days after settling the Melissa Ferrick and David Lowery class action lawsuit on behalf of songwriters for $43 million, Spotify has launched Secret Genius, a global initiative designed to highlight the contribution songwriters and producers make to the music industry and artists’ careers.

The yearly initiative will have multiple elements, including:

• Ambassador Program and Songshops: 13 songwriters will host a Songshop – a songwriting workshop – where they invite their peers to collaborate to create a hit song. This year’s songwriting ambassadors have created some of the biggest hits from artists like Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, One Direction, Drake, Justin Bieber and The Weeknd.

• The Secret Genius Awards: Spotify will host an annual award show this Fall honoring the best songwriters, producers and publishers in the industry. The event will consist of nomination categories, presenters and performers.

• Secret Genius Playlist: Each playlist is curated to include some of the biggest hits from one songwriters body of work.
• Secret Genius Podcasts: In-depth and informed interviews from the world’s best songwriters dive into the stories behind the hits we all know and love. The stores will highlight their creative process and their life in the industry.