SoundCloud has introduced nine emerging artists to headline First on SoundCloud’s new artist accelerator program.
According to SoundCloud, the new program is “focused on dedicated investment in co-creating each artist’s career milestones to help drive their long-term success” and will feature a “multi-phase, year-long investment” in the selected artists.
Since its inception in 2018, the ‘First on SoundCloud’ emerging artists campaign has previously featured the likes of Lil Tecca, Kehlani, Peggy Gou, Little Simz and many others.
SoundCloud says that the new program “goes beyond” the original campaign’s discovery roots to “fully backing an emerging artist’s career-making firsts”.
The emerging artists to take part in new program, selected by music teams at SoundCloud, include Charmaine, Ela Minus, Kid Quill, Lourdiz, Otis Kane, Pa Salieu, Payday, Sofia Mills, and SoFaygo.
To kick-off their participation in the 2021 program, each artist will be announced by “influential artists, tastemakers and cultural pioneers”, according to SoundCloud, including, D Smoke, Trippie Redd, and Rico Nasty, creative photographer and designer Ciesay of Places + Faces, and rising NBA star De’Aaron Fox.
The 2021 artists will benefit from introductory profiles by SoundCloud’s guest editor and music journalist, Kiana Fitzgerald, featuring “insights into their personal stories, musical styles, creative influences, and inspirations”.
Artists will also take part in originally produced content featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes videos from their first photoshoots. This artist content series features original music from producers Take A Daytrip.
Elsewhere, artists will feature on the new “First on SoundCloud” playlist on SoundCloud’s homepage, along with career development from SoundCloud’s music industry veterans and experts, and take part in a live event.
“With the new accelerator program we’ll work directly with the artists over this year to help them drive real, meaningful advances in their careers, while helping them reach new creative milestones and growing their global fan-bases.”
Erika Leone, SoundCloud
“We’re very excited to introduce this new class of breakout emerging artists, all sharing the special qualities that represent the SoundCloud artist community at its core – they’re innovative, original, and DIY at heart,” said Erika Leone, Vice President, Brand Marketing, SoundCloud.
“‘First on SoundCloud has always been about amplifying emerging artists and driving discovery for listeners.
“With the new accelerator program we’ll work directly with the artists over this year to help them drive real, meaningful advances in their careers, while helping them reach new creative milestones and growing their global fan-bases.”
Music Business Worldwide