# Spotify backs 10,000 indie artists with Fresh Finds Forward

> Spotify expands its decade-old artist development program to offer emerging independent musicians studio time, tools, and industry connections.
- Title: Spotify backs 10,000 indie artists with Fresh Finds Forward
- Summary: Spotify expands its decade-old artist development program to offer emerging independent musicians studio time, tools, and industry connections. Spotify is…
- Keywords: spotify, independent artists, fresh finds forward, artist development, emerging musicians, streaming support, music industry, laufey, clairo, ice spice, backs, 000
- Source: Rolling Stone — https://rollingstone.com/music/music-news/spotify-launches-fresh-finds-forward-independent-artists-1235628656
- Author: Charisma Madarang
- Published: 2026-09-18T03:55:10+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: spotify, independent artists, fresh finds forward, artist development, emerging musicians, streaming support, music industry, laufey, clairo, ice spice
## Spotify launches Fresh Finds Forward
Spotify introduced a new program supporting about 10,000 emerging independent artists each year with extra resources to build on early streaming momentum.
## Built on a decade of Fresh Finds
Fresh Finds Forward builds on over 10 years of the Fresh Finds program, which has helped more than 80,000 artists across 127 countries find new listeners.
## Alumni include major breakthrough artists
Past Fresh Finds participants include Laufey, Clairo, Doechii, Ice Spice, Megan Moroney, and Omar Apollo. For five consecutive years, alumni have earned Best New Artist nominations.
## Free studio time and exclusive tools
Participating artists get 12 months of free studio time, early access to Spotify tools, exclusive programming, and premium access to digital tools like LANDR and Splice.
## Partnership and wellness support included
The program also offers prioritized access to tour and music video partnerships with Spotify, plus mental health and wellness resources for participating artists.
## Program starts with 2026 artists
Fresh Finds Forward will begin with artists added to Fresh Finds starting January 1, 2026 and continuing forward.
## Key takeaway

Spotify is doubling down on supporting independent artists with a new program offering 12 months of free studio time, exclusive tools, and partnership opportunities to 10,000 artists annually.