Spotify is often the subject of consternation and criticism from the creative community over unlicensed tracks and low payments. In part to counter the ill will, the music streamer launched Spotify For Artists with free analytics and marketing tools, hired Troy Carter as Global Head Of Creator Services, and last night celebrated songwriters and producers at its first Secret Genius Awards in Los Angeles.
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If the mood inside L.A.’s Vibiana Cathedral was any indication, Spotify's charm offensive to win the hearts and minds of music's creative community is working. The mood at last night's inaugural Spotify Secret Genius Awards was nothing but celebratory, as songwriters and producers hugged and congratulated their peers..Kicked off by the Zion Choir of Compton’s powerful rendition of Andra Day’s Rise Up, the night was filled with collabortative live performances. Erika Ender, co-writer of Despacito, followed, getting the crowd singing along to a stripped down rendition of the smash hit. Later, Shawn Mendes was joined on stage by collaborators Teddy Geiger and Scott Harris for an acoustic version of Treat You Better, while PARTYNEXTDOOR took to the stage with guitarist Andrew Watt, who gave the crowd an electric guitar solo during Wild Thoughts. Halsey closed out the night with an emotional performance of Sorry with collaborator and Secret Genius honoree Greg Kurstin.Full List of Spotify Secret Genius Award Winners 2017Secret Genius of the Year: Songwriter – J KashSongs: “We Don’t Talk Anymore” – Charlie Puth, “Don’t Wanna Know” – Maroon 5, “Swalla” (feat. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign) – Jason Derulo, “Cold” – Maroon 5 (feat. Future), “NO” – Meghan Trainor, “Shed A Light” (feat. Cheat Codes) – Robin Schulz, David Guetta, “Attention” – Charlie Puth, “Ain’t Your Mama” – Jennifer LopezSecret Genius of the Year: Producer – Max MartinSongs: “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake, “Side To Side” – Ariana Grande, “Into You” – Ariana Grande, “Send My Love (To Your New Love)” – Adele, “Dangerous Woman” – Ariana Grande, “Chained To The Rhythm” – Katy Perry (feat. Skip Marley)Secret Genius of the Year: Female – StarrahSongs: “Fake Love” – Drake, “Needed Me” – RihannaSecret Genius: Pop – Greg KurstinSong: “Cheap Thrills” – SiaSecret Genius: Hip Hop – StarrahSong: “Fake Love” – DrakeSecret Genius: R&B – PARTYNEXTDOORSongs: “Work” – Rihanna (feat. Drake), “Sex With Me” – RihannaSecret Genius: Dance – Ali TamposiSongs: “It Ain’t Me” – Kygo, Selena Gomez, “Let Me Love You” – DJ Snake (Justin Bieber)Secret Genius: Latin – Rude BoyzSongs: “Felices los 4” – Maluma, “Borro Cassette” – Maluma, “Chantaje” – ShakiraSecret Genius: Rock – Mike ElizondoSongs: “Heathens” – Twenty One Pilots, “Stressed Out” – Twenty One PilotsSecret Genius: Country – Ashley GorleySongs: “T-Shirt” – Thomas Rhett, “Play It Again” – Luke Bryan, “Middle of a Memory” – Cole SwindellSecret Genius: Breakthrough – Asia Whiteacre“Starving” – Hailee Steinfeld, Zedd, GreySecret Genius: Motion Picture Adaptation – Mike ElizondoSong: “Heathens” – Twenty One Pilots (Suicide Squad)Secret Genius: Social Message – Warren Felder, Sebastian Kole, Andrew WanselSong: “Scars To Your Beautiful” – Alessia Cara
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