Spotify has today (August 22) announced the launch of its Sound Up Bootcamp in London in November – the event is calling for aspiring podcasters in the UK who identify as a woman of colour to apply to its week-long residential workshop in London. The news follows the successful launch of the Sound Up Bootcamp in the US earlier this year.
The workshop – which will be held between November 5 - 9 in London – will be led by podcast industry experts and Spotify says it will offer “an opportunity for aspiring podcasters to learn the craft of podcasting, receive mentoring and advice, and guidance to find their narrative voice.” Entrants do not require prior podcasting experience.
Speaking about the launch, James Cator, head of podcast partnerships, EMEA, for Spotify, said: “The Sound Up Bootcamp in the US was an absolutely huge success, with over 18,000 applicants, showing just how much enthusiasm and talent exists in the field of podcast creation in 2018. The UK is a leading light in the world of podcasts, so we’re expecting to see a similarly enthusiastic response from ambitious podcast creators in the UK. We are hugely excited to be able to support and promote more diverse and talented voices in the field of podcasting, and to give them a creative platform to share their work with the widest possible audience.”
Natalie Tulloch, director of content partnerships, Spotify, added: “The US Sound Up Bootcamp has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. The week was so much more than planned. It was a privilege being in the room with an amazing group of women. During the course of the week, it was more than learning about the business of podcasting, it was therapy, bonding and plenty of laughter. We could not have done it without the amazing women in the podcast community in NYC that supported the initiative.
Applicants should visit bit.ly/soundupuk and outline their podcast idea before midnight August 31. All applications will be reviewed by Spotify’s in-house podcast team, who will whittle the applicants down to a shortlist for interview, finally selecting ten final attendees to attend the Sound Up Bootcamp. The course is designed and facilitated in partnership with the ShoutOut Network, whose company mission is to find the next generation of voices. This will culminate in a pitch session to a panel of industry experts, who will select three participants to receive support to further develop and record their podcast idea.
Spotify has been busy making some significant deals as continues its post-IPO growth strategy. Following a long-term partnership with Apple’s tech rival Samsung, Spotify recently teamed up with the BBC to secure access to the broadcaster’s podcasts for its users.
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