SoundCloud Announces Artist Accelerator Program, supported by Sony
21 July 2023
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Today, SoundCloud launched the all-encompassing six-month accelerator program, First on SoundCloud 2023 Powered with Sony Corporation (“Sony”). Selected Next Pro artists wolfacejoeyy, DJ_Dave, Nitepunk, Sojabrat, and sim0ne represent an eclectic tapestry of sounds, identities, and backgrounds but unite as a collective voice propelling the future of music. From Brooklyn Bass to New Wav R&B to Algorave, the spotlighted artists are creating new musical landscapes in a unique way that can only be done on SoundCloud. Highlighting the origins of their SoundCloud story, FOSC features unique opportunities for career acceleration, education, and creative support. Above all, First on SoundCloud is designed to work directly with each individual artist to co-produce a tangible, career-defining roadmap aimed at developing and deepening meaningful connections with fans.
Additionally, SoundCloud is partnering with Sony’s Audio Team to amplify the celebration of milestone moments throughout the program. This dynamic alliance with Sony ensures that FOSC artists receive unparalleled support and resources to propel their creative journeys even further. Sony is investing in each artist through their upcoming Audio Brand Campaign and will support end-to-end creation-to-consumption workflow through the implementation of Sony’s professional audio products and consumer-focused personal audio products as well as creative audio technologies. Sony’s Audio Team will also provide unique opportunities such as early access to beta tools and pilot programs, the option to attend and participate in Sony’s annual creator camp, and access to exclusive Sony hosted events, in addition to collaborating on developing assets and content to visually represent FOSC.
“First on SoundCloud has always been about empowering emerging artists and fostering music discovery for our listeners. Partnering with Sony’s Audio Team is a great step in this mission. We’re thrilled to unveil the new class of breakout talent and embark on a collaborative roadmap to hit creative milestones, expand global fanbases, and make a significant impact in each artist’s unique journey” says Emmy Lovell, Global Head of Music at SoundCloud.
A few unique points of FOSC 2023 include:
“Sony’s Audio Team is always looking towards the future and collaborating with SoundCloud on this artist accelerator program aligns with our mission to support music creation and artists on the rise with our latest products and tools. We hope to further bolster this incredible lineup of talent with our upcoming brand platform and campaign that puts creator vision first,” says Jordy Freed, Head of Brand & Business Development + Partner Marketing & Strategy, Personal Entertainment Business in Sony Corporation of America.
Since its inception in 2018, SoundCloud’s annual music discovery program has elevated the most promising new acts building their careers on SoundCloud — giving them a platform to accelerate their success and introducing them to new fans. Previously featured FOSC artists have gone on to receive Grammy Awards nominations (Kehlani), build their own labels and Vogue-backed fashion brands (Peggy Gou), and release award-winning albums while staying independent (Little Simz).
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
20-year-old Staten Island native has been steadily building a following on SoundCloud. His eclectic ear for production and his forward-thinking approach to off-kilter lyricism make him one of the most exciting up-and-comers in the scene today.
“SoundCloud was the first platform that I felt comfortable releasing my music through when I was a younger artist. It was fun and exciting and still is today. It’s played a significant role in where my music career is today. I’m excited to be a part of FOSC and the journey that comes ahead.”
DJ_Dave is an NYC-based experimental electronic-pop artist, DJ, and producer, who creates & performs her music using code – a style called Algorave – and is one of the first to do so in a pop-sensible context.
“I, as well as so many other live-code artists, use SoundCloud as a place to share and try out new ideas. I started my career as an artist on SoundCloud, and I’m so excited to have their support at this moment in my career after I’ve grown so much as an artist and am ready to bring some of these ideas I’ve had since the beginning to life.”
Emerging from the Brooklyn underground scene, and now relocated to Los Angeles, Nitepunk is an enigma with a profoundly technical, yet incredibly free sound. His out-of-this-world synthesis and break-beat-inspired rhythmic grooves never fail to get the crowd jumping. He has quickly become known for his charismatic live shows which blend ethereal beauty, hard hitting dance grooves, and out-of-the-box soundscapes into a completely new and yet somehow familiar storytelling experience. Coming into 2023 hot with a full length album on HARD Records, Nitepunk is poised to dominate the bass music scene. With support from all manner of A-list artists including Habstrakt, Joyryde, Noisia, Peekaboo, MoodyGood, Excision, and more Nitepunk is undoubtedly a true force in the making.
“I’m really excited to be a part of FOSC and learn from a team like the one at SoundCloud which helped the entire world, both underground and mainstream, create their own music scenes and inspire millions of kids. SoundCloud was always the first place I would go to get new music as a kid and I can’t even imagine what a big opportunity it is for me to learn from the people who have started all of this. Probably, if not for SoundCloud, more than half of prominent electronic music would not exist today.”
On the surface, Soja’s roots in R&B give her an edge that most of her peers lack. Amassing nearly 50,000 followers on TikTok, the North Carolina native’s glistening singing voice and presence stand out in the new wave’s ever-evolving landscape.
“Thank you for this opportunity SoundCloud. I am super excited to be a part of this journey! Can’t wait to connect more with my supporters and day 1 fans.”
sim0ne is a Scottish DJ and producer based in London. Entrenched in UK alternative nightlife culture, sim0ne has begun to gain more global reach with her Rinse FM residency and her HÖR Berlin appearance where she debuted her now official remix of Lana Del Rey’s ‘Say Yes To Heaven’. With a busy touring calendar for the rest of the year, sim0ne’s mixes bring high energy blends of deep cuts, pulsing house, techno, and euphoric toplines.
“I’m excited to be chosen for the FOSC programme and to be working closely with SoundCloud over the coming months. This platform is crucial to emerging artists as it allows them to share their work and build their community and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do together.”
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