Drop your mic
Are you not another white, straight, cis dude?
We shouldn't be quite that harsh. But today's podcast world needs more variety. And we’re here to make it happen.
Spotify launched Sound Up to find, train and develop the next generation of diverse creators. We’re looking to amplify the voices of creators from underrepresented backgrounds here in Sweden. Come to us with a great idea for a podcast. We’ll supply you with the tools, training and connections to make it happen. There’s year-round support to help you build a career too. Nice.
Active events
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About the program
Launched in 2018, Sound Up has grown from a local initiative into a global program – reaching hundreds of aspiring creators around the world. Four years on and we’re still expanding and improving, continuously reshaping the program to suit the needs of storytellers in each new location.
What to expect
We invite up to ten aspiring creators to join each program event. You’ll immerse yourself in the art of podcast creation with mentorship and guidance from the Spotify team and experts from the industry. From ideation and storytelling to interviewing, editing and producing, you’ll learn what it takes to make great content and have a lot of fun doing it. At the end of it all you’ll have produced the pilot episode of your own podcast – one that has every chance of becoming a Spotify Original show.
Who are we looking for?
Our program is open to storytellers who have historically not had access to the resources and opportunities present in the growing audio and podcasting space. If you’re an aspiring podcaster who’s lived this experience and you reside in Sweden, we want to hear from you. You don’t need any previous experience. Bring us your passion and an idea for a great podcast. And we’ll take it from there.
Meet the experts
Get to know the experts you'll be working with that partner with Sound Up.
Wendy Francis
She process-leads groups and develops assignments focusing on anti-racist organizational development and power-conscious communication. Wendy works strategically, creatively, and operationally with Amphi's external communications.
Paulo Saka
Experienced Digital Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the broadcast media industry. Strong arts and design professional with a Bachelor's degree focused in Communication and Media Studies from Stockholm University.
Arash Dehvari
Experienced Production Manager in the podcast industry. Skilled in Pro Tools, Communication, Journalism, and Radio. Strong operations professional with a Yrkeshögskoleexamen focused in Agile Project Manager from Changemaker Educations.
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Discover more about Sound Up from around the world at For the record news section.
Sound Up newsFresh from the charts
Listen to the top shows created by our alumni and loved by our listeners.
Good to know
Before you hit apply there are a few things we’d like to share.
To apply you must live in Sweden and be over the age of 18.
We are looking for storytellers from underrepresented backgrounds.
The program is free and you don’t need your own kit - we’ll take care of it.
We’ll cover any expenses related to travel and housing for the duration of the program.
No experience is needed. We’ve built this program to find and elevate new creators.