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Best Advice: The Podcast

BySpotify for Artists
25 episodes

Podcast Summary

Best Advice is a Spotify for Artists podcast, offering up-and-coming artists in-depth insights into what it's like to navigate the world of music, commerce, and creativity. Host Kim Taylor Bennett talks with some of the most fascinating names in music to find out about all the twists and turns their careers have taken, and all the best advice they've received along the way. Through frank, intimate conversations, these artists will also share their personal tips for new creators gleaned from their own successes and missteps.  Check out our Best Advice video series featuring Tierra Whack, Quincy Jones, Lizzo, Phoebe Bridgers, and more, plus tons of articles and videos on how to grow your career on Spotify and beyond at artists.spotify.com. Follow Best Advice, only on Spotify, so you won't miss new episodes dropping every Thursday. And follow us on socials! Instagram: @spotifyforartists Twitter: @spotifyartists TikTok: @spotifyforartists This series was produced in partnership with Hoff Studios, the theme song is "Rhyme" by Blossom, and our show illustrations are by Hsiao-Ron Cheng.

#1

Best Advice Mental Health Special

In observance of World Mental Health Day we’ve combed through the last two seasons of Best Advice to create an episode that focuses on artists sharing their experiences and advice around mental health. It’s an important topic and one that we’ve covered frequently on the pod. In this episode we’ll hear from Billy Corgan, Troye Sivan, Jeezy, Joey Badass, BANKS, Hayley Kiyoko, Big Freedia, Rina Sawayama, Charli XCX, Ashnikko, Princess Nokia, Lykke Li, Diplo, Russ, Laura Jane Grace, and Meghan Trainor, and our conversations really run the gamut. We talk mental and physical health rituals and routines, self-love, imposter syndrome and dealing with critics — both external and internal. And let’s not forget the pressures of the internet and social media which can also weigh on a person. Fair warning, the topics discussed here include depression, anxiety, anti-lgbtqi+ discrimination, and bullying. For resources on these topics please head to spotify.com/resources for more info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2023-10-10•1hr 11mins
#2

Kim Petras’ Best Advice: Standom, Standing Out, and Smashing Stereotypes

For the finale episode of Season 2, we’re going out with a bang with the deeply in-demand pop princess Kim Petras, who kicked off 2023 with her first GRAMMY win for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with Sam Smith for their global smash hit “Unholy.” She also just dropped her single “Alone” with Nicki Minaj, and that’s all before she’s released her hotly anticipated LP this summer.From the suburbs of Cologne, to the gay clubs Brooklyn, to the studios of LA, Kim discusses her experiences signing various publishing deals over the years, the advice and support she received from Sam Smith, and what she learned from SOPHIE, and Paris Hilton. (Paris taught her how to SLIV by the way — slaying and killing it.)We also talked about collaboration and building a visual language for her music. She explains how she deals with criticism, and feeling like an outsider, and the strength she derives from both the pop stars she stans and the fans who stan her. Plus, what happened with her leaked, but officially unreleased record Problématique and why Kim will not, and cannot be contained by any box you try to put her in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2023-04-27•1hr 2mins
#3

Diplo’s Best Advice: Work Ethic, Balance, and Breaking Rules

A DJ, producer, songwriter, a label head, entrepreneur, party promoter — Diplo’s worn all the hats — and dabbled in every genre too. For this installment we join him in his living room to discuss the the many facets of his career and he offered a ton of tips and insights for every step of the way: from his scrappy DIY days DJing Hollertronix parties, to founding Mad Decent, to collaborating with MIA; breaking records releasing independently as part of Major Lazer, writing with Mark Ronson as Silk City, and Skrillex as Jack Ü. Not to mention his ongoing swerve into country music. Diplo also offers advice on balance, his thoughts on selling your masters, the merits of indie or major label support, work ethic, failure, quantity vs quality, music marketing, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2023-04-06•58mins
#4

Rina Sawayama’s Best Advice: Side Hustle to Main Hustle, and Being Your Own CEO

Born in Japan and raised in London, Rina spent seven years grinding before her debut album SAWAYAMA popped off just as the world was locking down. From her bedroom and through a screen she could see her popularity skyrocket — unable to fully capitalize on the moment with tours; unable to engage with her fans IRL. Now with the release of her second record, 2022’s Hold The Girl, and her starring role opposite Keanu Reeves in John Wick: Chapter 4, Rina’s really taking her career to the next level. We caught up with her on a sunny spring day in NYC and she shared some advice from Elton John (an early champion-turned-friend), when to push and when to pull back, the importance of allowing space for experimentation, imposter syndrome, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2023-03-30•43mins
#5

Larry June’s Best Advice: Majors, Indies, and Doing Numbers

San Francisco born and based artist Larry June is one of the most prolific names in hip-hop — 23 projects in just over a decade — with an ironclad work ethic and eye for entrepreneurship. His come up has been steady, with a foundation of grassroots graft and savvy collaborations (with Jay Worthy, Cardo, and most recently on The Great Escape LP with The Alchemist). We talk about his experiences on a major and releasing as an independent artist, plus he offers his advice on balance, and explains the philosophy behind some of his most touted catchphrases. This was recorded in LA in front of a live audience of artists at our recent industry event Stream On where Spotify announced a selection of new tools and capabilities to help creators grow their career on Spotify and beyond. You can watch all of Stream On here — including never seen before live talks and workshops that occurred after the streamed event, plus a full video version of Larry June interview. This podcast also includes questions from the audience, so if you were there: thanks for contributing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2023-03-23•35mins
#6

Meghan Trainor’s Best Advice: Virality, Self-Sufficiency, and Overcoming Anxiety

If you have used the internet in any capacity in the last few months you’ll have seen Meghan Trainor and countless clips of fans dancing to her track, “Made You Look.” Since coming out of the gates in 2014 with her chart smash “All About That Bass,” the Nantucket-born singer has released five LPs — including last year’s Takin’ It Back — and written songs for everyone from Fifth Harmony to John Legend; she’s become a TV host, a mother, and a podcaster, but Trainor’s journey’s been anything but smooth. From multiple vocal surgeries to debilitating panic attacks to album delays and so much more, Trainor discusses navigating all of this, plus her thoughts on self-sufficiency, motherhood, and the 360-degree, 24/7 hustle of it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2023-03-16•1hr 8mins
#7

Nile Rodgers’ Best Advice: The Business of Music, the Craft, and Lessons from the Greats

This New York-born guitarist, songwriter, and producer will certainly go down in the annals of music as one of the all time greats. A founding member 70s disco icons Chic, Rodgers has worked with everyone from Diana Ross to Duran Duran, Grace Jones to Beyoncé, Sister Sledge to Sam Smith. In this installment, Nile shares advice from his mentor Ted Dunbar and some lessons he’s learned from working with the likes of Bowie, Madonna, and Daft punk. Plus insights into his lyric-writing process, how he approaches the business of music, and when he knew he had to get clean for real. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2023-03-09•44mins
#8

Lykke Li’s Best Advice: Resistance, Creative Conviction, and the Power of No

For 15-plus years Lykke Li has been singular in her vision. Her music mines the matters of the heart and is accordingly darkly atmospheric, even in those pure pop moments; her lyrics convery high-key emotion even in a pregnant pause. For this LA-based, Swedish singer simply being an artist is an act of resistance, so we explore that. Plus Li offers advice from Bjorn (of Peter, Bjorn, and John), esteemed choreographer Martha Graham, and Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke. And we also discuss what it’s like to create after having a baby and her battles with depression. This episode is less wall to wall tips (although there is some in there of course) and more about creativity and mindset and what it really takes to be an artist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2023-03-02•44mins

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#9

Maggie Rogers' Best Advice: Power, Performance, and Protecting Your Art

We’re super excited to kick off this new batch of episodes with Maggie Rogers! The Maryland-born singer’s come a long way since that Pharrell Wiliams, NYU music class viral moment back in 2016. Now a Grammy-nominated artist with two albums under her belt — 2019’s Heard It in a Past Life, and 2022’s raw and propulsive Surrender — in this conversation Rogers goes deep, offering her thoughts on everything from writer’s block to gear; the pressure to go viral to that noisy inner critic to the importance of not skipping steps. There’s advice passed on from Mumford and Sons and why she thinks right now is one of the most exciting times to be an emerging artist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2023-02-23•47mins
#10

Season 2 of Best Advice with Kim Taylor Bennett

This season, Best Advice offers up-and-coming artists in-depth insights into what it's like to navigate the world of music, commerce, and creativity. Host Kim Taylor Bennett chats with the likes of Nile Rodgers, Meghan Trainor, Maggie Rogers, Diplo, Kim Petras, Rina Sawayama, Lykke Li and more to find out about all the twists and turns their careers have taken, and all the best advice they've received along the way. Through frank, intimate conversations, these artists will also share their personal tips for new creators gleaned from their own successes and missteps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2023-02-23•1mins
#11

Big Freedia's Best Advice: Prioritizing Health, Wealth, and Self

Big Freedia has long reigned as the Queen of Bounce, but her contributions to the entertainment industry extend way beyond that title. Ever since the debut of 2003’s Queen Diva mixtape, the New Orleans native has twerked her way to international recognition with her hometown pride in tow. As she juggles her many music and business ventures, she never fails to remain humble and as she states, kill them with kindness. She gives us amazing advice on the back end of the music industry. Highlighting the importance of finding the right lawyer, manager and people you trust. She reminds us to always keep praying and always keep pushing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2022-06-02•42mins
#12

Prince Royce's Best Advice: Achieving Success, Asking Questions, and to ‘Keep Rolling the Dice’

Prince Royce tells us that 'giving the people what they want' is a key piece of advice for growing a fanbase but also defining yourself as an artist. The latin pop singer discusses how experimenting musically, taking advice from the people around him, and educating himself about the business have been among some of his keys to his evolution from selling self-recorded CDs of his early music in the Bronx to rising to the top and working alongside heroes like Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, and Jennifer Lopez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2022-05-26•43mins
#13

Troye Sivan’s Best Advice: Trust, Social Media, and Doing It Yourself

Troye Sivan says that some of the most important lessons he’s learned have come from his start. The Australian singer breaks down a variety of topics, from the importance of being a DIY artist before getting signed and trusting who you work with to navigating the extensive world of social media. No challenge is too big for Sivan. This modern multi-hyphenate artist has a dozen hit singles to his name, walking in a fashion show for Rihanna, and conquering tv and movies, including his new roles on the HBO drama, The Idol and in the Paramount+ film, Three Months. Troye gives us some of the best advice that he’s received from the likes of Ariana Grande, Ellen Burstyn, and his mom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2022-05-19•47mins
#14

BANKS’ Best Advice: Perspective, Production, and Giving Yourself Grace

We’re kicking off season 2 of Best Advice with BANKS! BANKS has had quite an odyssey during her decade in music. From mysterious newcomer armed with dark, synth-laden R&B/pop through four acclaimed albums, the LA-based artist has navigated health challenges and a transition to independence on the journey to her 2022 release,"Serpentina." The visual driven artist stresses the importance of following your intuition, being confident and not caring about what others think of your art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2022-05-12•42mins
#15

Laura Jane Grace’s Best Advice: Sustainability, Productivity, and the Importance of DIY

Laura Jane Grace has been releasing music and touring like crazy for over half her life — under her own name, as Laura Jane Grace and the Devouring Mothers, and most notably as the front-woman for the excellently ragey, supremely shout-along-able Florida punk band Against Me! For the final episode of Best Advice Season 1, LJG came armed with an avalanche of advice: some great tips from production legend Butch Vig, plus a ton of her own pointers that range from the practical to the more philosophical — about work ethic, success, sustainability, the true applicable meaning of DIY. Plus a different, more positive perspective on social media, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2021-07-08•51mins
#16

Princess Nokia’s Best Advice: Star Power, Self-Love, and Letting Your Freak Flag Fly

Princess Nokia is a beam of positivity. No matter what tough stuff life has thrown at her, the NYC-born artist has been able to pivot, rise above, hustle, and succeed. From indie to major, the 29-year-old had a ton of experiences to share and tips to offer — like the importance of tapping into your inner child, why getting older should be embraced, and how there’s so much to be learned in moments of solitude. Plus she relayed some advice from the late, great ASAP Yams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2021-06-24•40mins
#17

Conor Oberst’s Best Advice: Inspiration, Trust, and Writing Heat

Few artists are as BS-free as Conor Oberst. In every guise — as Bright Eyes, Desaparacidos, Monsters of Folk, Better Oblivion Community Center, and more — he can’t help but show up as authentically Conor Oberst. A self-confessed luddite, he’s not the guy to talk to about social media strategy, or branding, or playing the game, and he’s definitely not the kind of guy who speaks in soundbites. So any advice in our conversation isn’t exactly doled out: His tips on collaboration, inspiration, trust and much more come wrapped in stories and encounters. And he’s wonderfully funny with it too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2021-06-17•35mins
#18

Hayley Kiyoko’s Best Advice: Honesty, Pivoting, and Not Waiting on Perfection

Hayley doesn’t shy away from sharing — whether that’s in music or in conversation — so her episode is packed with realness. Even though she has millions of ardent fans and millions of streams, Hayley still considers herself an emerging artist and that informs how she tackles her art: with a ferocious tenacity and when she hears the word no, she pivots. In this episode she discusses tour tips, health and depression, the importance of nurturing your fanbase, and the power of honesty in art. Her can-do, break-it-down-to-brass-tacks attitude is always inspiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2021-06-10•45mins
#19

Ashnikko's Best Advice: Boundaries, Social Media, and Knowing Your Worth

Only this era could have birthed Ashnikko. From the collision of her musical influences, to her maximalist visuals, to the way her career popped off on social media and she knew just how to ride that wave, Ashton Nicole Casey is 21st Century Pop Incarnate. Fresh off the release of her mixtape Demidevil, we talked about everything from strategizing merch drops, to imposter syndrome, to dealing with the toxicity of the internet. She shared how she hustled to get into studio sessions, and then the ways she’s dealt with the varied experiences within those four walls. She also has some great advice about writing yourself love letters. Ashnikko’s Best Advice is 100 percent applicable for artists on the come up in this day and age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2021-06-03•40mins
#20

Joey Bada$$' Best Advice: Abundance, Networking, and an Internal Retreat

Bada$$ is the ultimate multi-hyphenate: rapper, actor, entrepreneur, label head, Oscar-winner, and more. But how does the Brooklyn-born artist juggle his many creative pursuits and the demands that come along with that? The self-help book aficionado drops many helpful tips about focus and mental health, and what it’s like being on a major versus an indie. He also shares his experiences with losing his way and how he found the path back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2021-05-27•43mins
#21

Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins’ Best Advice: Competition, Branding, and Ego

As the frontman of one of the most successful, visionary bands of his generation, Billy Corgan knows a thing or two about making music — both as solo artist and within the framework of a band. Corgan’s tips are both heady and practical; his takeaway for overcoming writer’s block is so straightforward, yet so essential. Corgan offers insights from his own 30-plus year career when it comes to capturing the zeitgeist and what happens when that moment passes. Plus he has a ton of thoughts on publishing and singularity and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2021-05-20•44mins
#22

Best Advice: The Podcast

Best Advice is a new Spotify for Artists podcast, offering up-and-coming artists in-depth insights into what it's like to navigate the world of music, commerce, and creativity. Host Kim Taylor Bennett talks with some of the most fascinating names in music to find out about all the twists and turns their careers have taken, and all the best advice they've received along the way. Through frank, intimate conversations, these artists will also share their personal tips for new creators gleaned from their own successes and missteps. Follow Best Advice, only on Spotify, so you won't miss new episodes dropping every Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2021-05-17•1mins
#23

Russ’ Best Advice: Vulnerability, Delusion, and Knowing Your Numbers

In this week's episode of Best Advice we sit down with the multi-hyphenate master— rapper, producer, entrepreneur, author, and then some—Russ. He goes deep on all topics: the power of vulnerability and how he deals with negativity; but he also shares some on-point career strategies around touring, data, and releasing. And it turns out he also got some great advice from John Mayer and Will Smith too. This is one jam-packed episode you won’t wanna skip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2021-05-13•36mins

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#24

Charli XCX’s Best Advice: Contracts, Control, and Collaboration

Today we talk with pop star, songwriter, and all-around badass Charli XCX. She has tons of advice for new artists on collaboration, notions of success, and some pointers for choosing the right manager. This was recorded shortly before the tragic passing of SOPHIE, her collaborator and friend, and we spent some time discussing their partnership because their work together was absolutely pivotal for Charli really coming into her own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2021-05-06•39mins
#25

Jeezy’s Best Advice: Mental Health, Grudges, and Forgiveness

We catch up with the godfather of Atlanta trap to talk about his 20-plus year career, how his mindset has evolved in that time, and all the best advice he’s received along the way — from the likes of Snoop Dogg, his grandma, and his auntie in particular. Jeezy also shares his own tips for up and coming artists about the business of music and why it’s important to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2021-05-06•45mins

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