Spotify has launched the most recent edition of its “Sound Up” program. Much like The Nerds of Color, Spotify created the program as a way to give a voice to the underrepresented communities in society. Thus far the program has launched in 12 markets — including Japan, Italy, the U.S., U.S. Latinx, India, Mexico, Australia, Sweden, the U.K., Germany, Brazil, and Argentina. And paved the way for creators across all communities, including the Latino, African American, Asian, and LGBTQ communities, to create content on their platform.
Now is your chance to join the fun! For the latest round of “Sound Up,” Spotify is calling on creators of every underrepresented background to apply with their terrific ideas for podcasts in the Kids & Family genre. If you are interested, you may click here for the application.
What can you expect? Spotify has provided the following details about the process:
1. Up to 10 underrepresented creators will be part of the program for five months
Those selected for the program will go through a three-phase immersive experience where they will hone their storytelling, get more experience in audio production, and workshop their ideas around creating high-quality content for families. Along the way, they’ll receive support and guidance through in-person training and virtual workshops while also having access to all of the technology and tools needed to succeed.
2. This is the first family-focused iteration of Sound Up
After launching a sports-focused program in the U.K. earlier this year, Sound Up is now turning its attention to families. Why? Simply put, co-listening is an increasingly great way for kids and their families to spend quality time together while enjoying content that is educational and entertaining. Sound Up wants to continue to support this trend by allowing underrepresented creators with fresh perspectives to deliver more content to listeners in this space.
3. Creators will work with top professionals
Sound Up’s longtime partner and collaborator Rekha Murthy, an independent podcast strategist, along with Dawn J. Fraser, a professional storyteller and communications coach, will be facilitating this program, giving participants the chance to collaborate closely with some of the best in the industry.
4. Participants will create their own pilot episodes
In order for participants to put what they’ve learned about the art and strategy of podcast creation and development to the test, they will create their own fiction or nonfiction pilot episode that accounts for kids’ intellectual and emotional well-being, and allows families to listen together
Sound Up is accepting applications for this program now through April 8.
For more on application requirements, be sure to click here.